Southland Burger King Worker Dies From Coronavirus

SANTA MONICA, CA — A Santa Monica Burger King employee has died from complications related to the coronavirus and workers have filed a health complaint against the location.

Angela Martinez Gómez died on July 6, Santa Monica Daily Press reports. Managers at 1919 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica reportedly allowed Gómez come to work while she showed symptoms that are consistent with COVID-19.

Workers at Burger King in Santa Monica are calling on the location to better protect workers, with several walking out and holding a protest Friday.

The complaint filed by Yolanda Garcia states that workers are concerned over her death and want better protections.

“A worker shouldn’t have to die and workers shouldn’t have to strike to call attention to COVID-19 safety at Burger King,” according to the complaint.

Workers also allege that a store manager cited that Gómez's death was connected to her use of hormones. Gómez was transgender.

Patch reached out to CAL/OSHA for comment about the complaint filed against Burger King.

"Last week Cal/OSHA was notified of a fatality involving a worker of Burger King in Santa Monica," OSHA spokesperson Jeanne-Mairie Duval told Patch. "This is all the information available at this time. Cal/OSHA is investigating and until the time that the investigation is complete, the case is open and confidential."

Patch reached out to Burger King representatives for comment but has not heard back yet from the company.

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