The fact that norovirus only spreads due to shit particles makes me think employees are doing this on purpose. it cant be coordinated because thats easy to catch. we are probably seeing some copycats in other cities.
there is really nothing chipotle can do.
This conspiracy stuff is weird. You can transmit Norovirus from person to person incredibly easily. It can make its way onto the food on clothes, hands, gloves, etc. if the proper procedures aren't in place.
It can also be present for days after the person no longer feels severe symptoms. So an employee could have it, take a day off, feel slightly better, come in and not wash his hands, and then you have it.
Also, it's transmitted through feces and vomit, not just feces. No real need for this elaborate plan. Just better training.