CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District says they have prioritized COVID-related phone calls over the past seven months.
As a result, calls about issues at local restaurants haven’t received proper attention, they say.
But, the department’s assistant director says that’s changing.
Dante Gonzalez says that from now on, a person will be assigned to answer calls at the Health Department from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday due to the high volume of calls related to restaurant violations.
"Mostly people want to say this particular restaurant is not doing social distancing. This particular restaurant, the employees are not wearing masks," Gonzalez said.
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The change will give callers an opportunity to tell a person on the other end of the line about the issue, or leave a voicemail. The department has people after-hours that are listening to those messages, Gonzalez added.
"We're making sure to take your number down, and make sure to address it," he said.
To reach the line dedicated to restaurant complaints, call 826-7200, option one.
Alternatively, you can also call the department's Environmental Consumer Division.
They handle restaurant inspections, and can be reach at 826-7222 or 7223.
Read more: Inspectors handle more in the era of COVID-19.
"You can call about a restaurant inspection or complaint. You're not feeling well? Call this number," Gonzalez said.
He adds that inspectors will respond to emergency situations as they see fit.
They’ll also return to and reinspect restaurants will multiple complaints.
