McDonald's has announced it will only be accepting takeaway and Drive Thru orders in an attempt to cope with the coronavirus threat.
The restaurant chain announced it would officially be closing all seating areas across its establishments in Ireland and the UK.
However, McDonalds will continue to take takeaway and Drive Thru orders.
An update from us. pic.twitter.com/89K8oDTChz
— McDonald's UK (@McDonaldsUK) March 17, 2020
McDonald's Ireland and UK CEO Paul Pomroy said: "Our restaurants will remain open for as long as it is safe to do so.
"It has become clear that we need to temporarily change our operations to ensure the well-being of our employees and customers consistent with the governments’ guidance on social distancing.
"All restaurants will close seating areas and temporarily move to being takeaway, Drive Thru and McDelivery only.
"No restaurants will offer dine-in or table service.
"Toilets and handwashing facilities will remain open wherever possible but seating areas and children’s play areas will close.
"We will continue to implement our strengthened, detailed cleaning procedures both in our restaurants and with our McDelivery partner to ensure we maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and food safety".
"With immediate effect, all of our drive thrus and all McDelivery orders via Uber Eats will be contact-free - with no physical contact between customers, employees and couriers wherever possible."
McDonald's Monopoly
The chain’s annual Monopoly promotion is being paused until later in the year, the company added.
Mr Pomroy said: “This year’s prizes include a number of luxury holidays, European city breaks and cruises which will have all been impacted by current and ongoing restrictions on international travel.
“Following conversations with our suppliers and prize partners, we feel it is appropriate to delay the promotion until later this year.”
