As nonessential businesses across the US are forced to shutter, fast-food chains are staying open.


Fast-food chains have updated cleaning policies and shut down seating areas, as they work to keep employees safe. But, some employees aren't convinced that stores should stay open and say that certain customers are making the situation worse."We have been severely taken advantage of," a Taco Bell manager told Business Insider. "Not just by the government, but by the customers spraying us with Lysol, the customers ignoring their change, the ones making us feel like were the source of the disease."

The manager and the more than two dozen other workers who spoke with Business Insider over the last week were granted anonymity to allow them to speak freely without fear of retribution. Business Insider confirmed that each employee worked at the company they claimed to, through pay stubs or other documentation.


Fast-food employees offered a wide range of responses on what it is like working during the outbreak. Many are stressed or panicked about catching coronavirus or contributing to its spread. Some wish all locations would shut down, while others are more worried about getting paid if their hours are cut.

Here are six things workers told Business Insider they want customers to know about working during the coronavirus outbreak.