Two Lai Lai employees test positive for COVID-19
June 24, 2020
Sheila Harris
The Barry County Health Department is reporting that two persons employed at Lai Lai Asian Buffet and Dining in
Monett have tested positive for COVID-19. Both cases are a result of community spread and the individuals are
under an isolation order. Close contacts are being contacted and, as appropriate, ordered to quarantine. All of
the identified cases will be monitored daily by the Barry County Health Department.
Roger Brock, Administrator of the Barry County Health Department, commented, “The owners of the restaurant
are working closely with the Health Department to take all practical measures to ensure the safest possible
environment for our citizens. Lai Lai’s owner, out of an abundance of caution and a deep concern for staff,
customers, and community, has volunteered to close the business until July 6. Additionally, they will complete an
extensive deep-cleaning of the restaurant, screen staff for symptoms of COVID-19 before each shift, require face-coverings for all employees, and conduct frequent cleaning of all high touch surfaces."
Administrator Brock noted that COVID-19 is not food-borne and diners are at no risk of contracting COVID-19 from
their meal. There is a low risk of contracting COVID-19 from employees who did not have a face covering.
Customers do not need to self-quarantine unless symptoms develop. Anyone who develops symptoms should
call their primary care provider or the Barry County Health Department at 417-847-2114.
Community-wide COVID-19 testing is available free on June 29 in Cassville. Register online at
https://health.mo.gov/communitytest or by calling 877-435-8411.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath or at least two of the following: fever, chills,
repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell. Symptoms may
begin two days to two weeks after exposure.
“It is our personal responsibility to continue physical-distancing, wear cloth face-coverings, avoid large groups, and
wash hands and surfaces frequently, to avoid the spread of COVID-19 in Barry County,” reminded Barry County
Office of Emergency Management Director, David Compton.
On the closing of Lai Lai’s Buffet, Compton said, “It is extremely commendable; the owners are demonstrating an exceptional personal commitment to their community in making a decision to temporarily close.”
State of Missouri and Barry County Phase 2 Reopening began June 16 and remains in effect until June 30, 2020.
Those rules include recommendations to maintain physical distancing, required source-control masking in certain
circumstances, and enhanced hygiene practices. Persons at a higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19, including
those greater 65 years of age, those who are immuno-compromised or who have chronic medical conditions should limit
travel and wear a cloth face covering in public. (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extraprecautions/
groups-at-higher-risk.html)
Sheila Harris
The Barry County Health Department is reporting that two persons employed at Lai Lai Asian Buffet and Dining in
Monett have tested positive for COVID-19. Both cases are a result of community spread and the individuals are
under an isolation order. Close contacts are being contacted and, as appropriate, ordered to quarantine. All of
the identified cases will be monitored daily by the Barry County Health Department.
Roger Brock, Administrator of the Barry County Health Department, commented, “The owners of the restaurant
are working closely with the Health Department to take all practical measures to ensure the safest possible
environment for our citizens. Lai Lai’s owner, out of an abundance of caution and a deep concern for staff,
customers, and community, has volunteered to close the business until July 6. Additionally, they will complete an
extensive deep-cleaning of the restaurant, screen staff for symptoms of COVID-19 before each shift, require face-coverings for all employees, and conduct frequent cleaning of all high touch surfaces."
Administrator Brock noted that COVID-19 is not food-borne and diners are at no risk of contracting COVID-19 from
their meal. There is a low risk of contracting COVID-19 from employees who did not have a face covering.
Customers do not need to self-quarantine unless symptoms develop. Anyone who develops symptoms should
call their primary care provider or the Barry County Health Department at 417-847-2114.
Community-wide COVID-19 testing is available free on June 29 in Cassville. Register online at
https://health.mo.gov/communitytest or by calling 877-435-8411.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath or at least two of the following: fever, chills,
repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell. Symptoms may
begin two days to two weeks after exposure.
“It is our personal responsibility to continue physical-distancing, wear cloth face-coverings, avoid large groups, and
wash hands and surfaces frequently, to avoid the spread of COVID-19 in Barry County,” reminded Barry County
Office of Emergency Management Director, David Compton.
On the closing of Lai Lai’s Buffet, Compton said, “It is extremely commendable; the owners are demonstrating an exceptional personal commitment to their community in making a decision to temporarily close.”
State of Missouri and Barry County Phase 2 Reopening began June 16 and remains in effect until June 30, 2020.
Those rules include recommendations to maintain physical distancing, required source-control masking in certain
circumstances, and enhanced hygiene practices. Persons at a higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19, including
those greater 65 years of age, those who are immuno-compromised or who have chronic medical conditions should limit
travel and wear a cloth face covering in public. (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extraprecautions/
groups-at-higher-risk.html)
