Lotteria Faces Mass COVID-19 Cases... Flood of Criticism Over 'Complacent Response'

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Saeng-hye] A well-known fast food chain Lotteria has experienced a mass outbreak of COVID-19 cases, but the company’s complacent response has sparked a wave of public criticism.

According to Lotteria operator Lotte GRS on the 12th, on the 6th, 20 employees attended a meeting in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, and at least 10 of them tested positive for COVID-19.

A Lotte GRS official said, "It was not a regular meeting, but a session to share know-how and successful points learned from each store during business activities," adding, "The meeting ended late, and it was confirmed that participants had dinner together."

The meeting was reportedly held to discuss measures to overcome sales slumps caused by COVID-19. After the meeting, participants had dinner at a restaurant and then moved to a chicken restaurant in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, where a group infection occurred, holding what is called a 'second gathering.'

Some criticize the fact that a face-to-face meeting was held despite concerns about COVID-19. Even if the meeting ended late and they had dinner, there are voices criticizing why they proceeded to a 'second drinking party' at the problematic chicken restaurant.

Moreover, it has been confirmed that Lotte GRS has adopted non-face-to-face video meetings as a principle since the COVID-19 outbreak and has related systems using messengers in place.

A Lotte GRS official said, "It seems there were difficulties in using the video system due to different store layouts," and added, "The exact reason for holding a face-to-face meeting needs to be confirmed."

On the 11th, Lotte GRS was notified that an employee at the Jonggak Station branch tested positive for COVID-19, and the store was closed and disinfected for a day. This branch reopened on the 12th.

Also, due to concerns about confirmed cases, the Myeonmok Central branch, Gunja branch, Sogong 2nd branch, Seoul Station History branch, Sookdae Entrance Station branch, and Konkuk University branch have been closed from around 7 p.m. on the 11th for disinfection.