Wright’s Farm remains closed during Health Dept. investigation

March 16, 2016 4:02 pm

By News Staff

news@abc6.com

Rhode Island Department of Health is investigating a local restaurant after dozens of people became sick after eating there.

Approximately 30 people fell ill with "gastrointestinal symptoms" after eating at Wright’s Farm Restaurant in Burrillville on Sunday. The restaurant announced it will remain closed until next week.

The restaurant owner, Frank Galleshaw, released a statement saying:

“After this week’s incident, we are taking every measure to ensure the safety of our guests. We serve more than 500,000 customers annually and in the 44 years of owning and operating Wright’s Farm Restaurant, we have never experienced an incident like this.

Out of an abundance of caution, we will remain closed to continue a thorough, ongoing sanitization and cleaning process. We will reopen for business on Thursday, March 24^th.

We realize the inconvenience this may cause for guests who have reservations booked, but we feel this is the right decision to ensure that our restaurant continues to provide the consistent and enjoyable dining experience that our loyal guests have come to expect over the past four decades.”

Members of Bryant University’s Men’s Lacrosse team were among those who got sick. The team had to cancel their game Tuesday against Siena due to the sickness.

The Department of Health also says it is investigating whether is is the result of norovirus, but they don’t have test results back yet.

Dr. David Lowe is an Infectious Disease Specialist at Kent County Hospital. He explains that it can take 12 to 60 hours from when you come into contact with the norovirus until the time you get sick. He says it can live on surfaces for days.

"This is probably one of the most contagious viruses," said Lowe.

Lowe did offer up some advice for preventing the spread of the virus.

"I call it ‘mom’s hygiene.’ Wash your hands after you go to the bathroom and before you handle food, clean all surfaces, have clean clothes and clean linen," said Lowe.