Ampersand Ice Cream Temporarily Closes NW Fresno Shop After COVID-19 Case

Ampersand Ice Cream at Herndon and Marks avenues is temporarily closed after an employee tested positive for COVID-19.

The other Fresno shop at 1940 N. Echo Avenue remains open.

A sign on the door at the northwest store states, “Unfortunately, at 7:00 p.m. Monday, July 20th,  we were informed that a sweet employee had tested positive for COVID-19. We have immediately ceased operations at this location as all employees will be self-quarantined for the next two weeks. We will be re-opening on August 1st with a rested and healthy staff. — Jeff & Amelia”

Related Story: Fresno County Out of COVID-19 Drug, Tired Doctors Welcome Military Help

Facebook Support

The owners’ post on Facebook about the closure was met with many messages of support.

Marlene Warton wrote, “Thank you for your honesty in this- prayers for a speedy and healthy recovery for your employee.”

“Thank you for the extraordinary and responsible precautions you have been and are taking. You are a great example !! We love you and will see you on Aug. 1,” wrote Denise Fink.

Cathy Hickey writes, “Thank you for the care you show to your employees and your community. My thoughts and prayers are with your employee and those in her care.”

Questions & Concerns

If you have any questions or concerns about the COVID-19 case at the Herndon and Marks location, you can email Ampersand Ice Cream at info@ampersandicecream.com

The shop says it isn’t answering questions via Facebook or Instagram.

Fresno Employers Now Must Inform Workers About COVID Cases

Employers in the city of Fresno now must notify their employees if there is a positive COVID-19 case in the workplace.

Related Story: Fresno Employers Now Must Inform Workers About COVID Cases

That was one part of a change to the city’s emergency order approved by the Fresno City Council on Thursday, July 16.

Businesses must comply with ADA and privacy laws.

CA Department of Health Guidelines

On June 16, the California Department of Public Health published guidelines for employers to follow in the event an employee tests positive for COVID-19.

Part of the guidance is related to “outbreak management” and several steps are advised.

• Designate a workplace infection prevention coordinator to implement COVID-19 infection prevention procedures and to manage COVID-related issues among employees.
• Instruct employees to stay home and report to the employer if they are having symptoms of COVID-19, were diagnosed with COVID-19, or are awaiting test results for COVID-19.
• Identify contact information for the local health department (LHD) in the jurisdiction where the workplace is located.
• Employers must maintain confidentiality of employees with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection when communicating with other employees.
• Employers should notify all employees who were potentially exposed to the individuals with COVID-19.