![items.[0].image.alt](https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/0f971cc/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1280x720+0+0/resize/1280x720!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fewscripps-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2F72%2F8eb98e614b89bd655969fbefbc54%2Fkero-default-image-1280x720.png)
UPDATE (8:30 a.m., Oct. 27): Kern County Public Health officials confirm that El Portal has reopened after it was closed multiple days.
======
El Portal was still closed on Wednesday after the restaurant voluntarily closed Tuesday to complete a deep clean after customers reported seeing a rat in the dining room to Public Health.
El Portal on Ming Avenue near Ashe Road told the health department about the cleaning plans. The health department confirmed to 23ABC that it also received a complaint about a rat seen in the restaurant this week.
As part of standard protocol, a health inspector has also been sent to the location. No report has been released yet.
The health department also confirmed this was a voluntary closure.
"We are asking that El Portal stay closed until we have a chance to assess issue," Public Health spokesperson Michelle Corson said on Tuesday.
"Good they closed, but should have addressed this problem before and should have closed well in advance of the customer complaint," Corson said.
RELATED: El Portal closes for deep clean; Public Health receives report of rat at restaurant
