Hamilton McDonald’s worker allegedly faked COVID-19 diagnosis to get out of work

An 18-year-old McDonald’s employee is facing several charges after she allegedly faked having COVID-19 to get out of work.

Hamilton police say the woman, who worked at the location on Rymal Rd. and Upper James. St., handed in a fake doctor’s note to her supervisor on Mar. 19 claiming she had tested positive of the virus.

The restaurant took immediately safety precautions and shut down the business and sent all employees home to self-isolate.

It remained closed for several days while professional cleaning services worked to sanitize the store.

Police say they launched an investigation after the restaurant, local customers and employees were significantly impacted by the closure and alleged diagnosis.

On Thursday, officers arrested the 18-year-old worker and charged her with mischief over $5,000, fraud under $5,000, use of a forged document, and make forged document.

The teen has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court on May 18.