2 Cherry Hill Restaurants Close Temporarily Due To Coronavirus

CHERRY HILL, NJ — Two Cherry Hill restaurants are temporarily closed after employees at each establishment tested positive for the coronavirus. Ponzio’s Diner and Chick’s Deli are both closed temporarily, according to the restaurants’ Facebook pages.

“We have been made aware today that an employee has tested positive for Covid-19, and we will be closed temporarily as we have the store disinfected and prepared for reopening,” Chick’s Deli said on its page. “We prioritize our safety and the safety of our loyal customers during these unprecedented times. We will reopen when we feel confident that our entire staff is tested, healthy, and ready to provide our food to you in a safe and efficient manner. Thank you for all your support and patronage during this pandemic, and we look forward to seeing everyone as quickly as possible. Please check back on our social media outlets for updates.”

“It has always been our pledge to be committed in protecting our co-workers and customers. We have taken proper precautions as we monitor federal, state and local guidelines,” Ponzio’s said. “We have been notified that a co-worker has tested positive for Covid-19. It is our responsibility to ensure the safety of all our co-workers and customers.”

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Ponzio’s said it would be deep-cleaning and disinfecting the entire diner, and testing all employees who have been in contact with the infected worker.

“We will be closed until we feel it safe for our co-workers and customers to return,” Ponzio’s said. “We apologize for any inconvenience. We appreciate everyone’s understanding as we navigate through these difficult times. We look forward to welcoming you back soon.”

As of Tuesday, there have been 2,773 cases of the coronavirus and 162 coronavirus-related deaths in Cherry Hill since the beginning of the pandemic. Countywide, there have been 22,436 cases and 649 deaths.

“We are continuing to see increases in cases week over week. That increase in cases is now beginning to correlate with an increase in hospitalizations statewide,” Camden County Director Louis Cappelli Jr. said. “Our infection rate has begun to stabilize, but our test positivity rate continues to increase and is now over 16 percent. Over the past seven days we are averaging approximately 350 new cases each day. Our highest mark in the spring was 111. We have to get this under control so that our hospitals aren’t pushed beyond their capacity. Please continue to wear a mask, social distance, and avoid indoor gatherings.”