TORONTO — Tim Hortons, a subsidiary of Restaurant Brands International Inc., announced this week that it would provide up to $40 million in funding to its employees affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19).

The company said the money would be an investment from the 1,500 Tim Hortons restaurant owners and the corporate office. The chain also said it wants employees to stay home if they are sick.

"We don't want any team member affected by COVID-19 coming to work sick - and we don't want them isolated at home worrying about how to support themselves and their families," said Duncan Fulton, chief corporate officer at Tim Hortons.

The company will provide compensation for scheduled hours for up to 14 days for any hourly worker.

Tim Hortons also announced it will continue drive-thru, take-out and delivery service (where available) across Canada and will close all in-restaurant dining rooms until further notice.