Tim Hortons has responded to backlash after #boycottTimHortons began appearing on Twitter last night.

The hashtag was trending in the aftermath of a story being published by progressive non-profit news organization PressProgress. The piece questioned the coffee and doughnut chain’s unpaid sick day policies during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic at some of its Canadian stores.

Twitter users took to the keyboard to voice their concerns about the Canadian-founded company and what they read.

The fact that #boycottTimHortons is trending instead of RUTR gives me hope that perhaps people are finally done with corporations’ shit. Believe👏 people👏 when👏 they👏 tell👏 you👏 they👏 are👏 ill!

— KM (@Zydr8Anatomy) March 14, 2020

Hey @TimHortons I don’t need a “commitment to our guests” email from you. I wanna know what your commitment to your employees is during all this? No paid or unpaid sick leave without a doctors note is only serving to make your restaurants more unsafe to visit. #boycottTimHortons

— Heather Emm, Socially Distancing Politely (@TheHeatherEm) March 14, 2020

.@TimHortons Are you really allowing franchises to require that sick employees provide a doctors note if they take an unpaid sick day? That’s a surefire way to help spread Coved-19, burden the system unnecessarily and and lose customers in one fell swoop. #boycottTimHortons

— Mike Cashin (@mikecashinmixer) March 14, 2020

Earlier this morning, Tim Hortons responded with a statement.

The company issued a public release, starting its caption with “There is a lot of misinformation circulating.”

Tim Hortons said they have a clear policy for employees feeling sick — stay home. The company also said those staying home due to illness do not require a doctor’s note.

There is a lot of misinformation circulating and we want to make this very clear to all Tim Hortons team members and guests. Our policy is clear. Team members should always stay home if they are sick – and do not require a doctor’s note. pic.twitter.com/OfFD8oKCC4

— Tim Hortons (@TimHortons) March 14, 2020

With coronavirus on the rise, Health Canada is reminding individuals who attend events and large gatherings to monitor their health for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. And if you’re not feeling well, they recommend staying home at this time. Also, due to unexpected cancellations, please check the event you plan to attend is still taking place. Keep up with COVID-19 news here.