SAFETY FIRST
McDonald’s and Tesco mark out boxes on floors so customers can keep a safe distance during coronavirus crisis
MCDONALD'S and Tesco stores have used sticky tape to mark how far apart customers should stand to mitigate the risk of spreading coronavirus.
At the fast-food chain, customers have filmed a video of sticky tape boxes on the floor in one restaurant to mark how far apart customers should stand as they queue for food.
The fast-food chain says similar markers will appear in all of the chain's branches.
All UK McDonald’s restaurants will close by this weekend as a result of coronavirus fears, leaving only takeaway, drive-thru and delivery open.
McDonald’s has also closed all play areas.
Elsewhere, in one Tesco store in Haydock, Merseyside staff have used black tape on the floor to keep customers queueing for customer services separated.
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There's also an accompanying sign that reads: "Social Distancing. Please can you stand behind the tape on the floor until the customer in front has been served.
"This is to protect yourself and others. Thank you."
We've asked if similar sticky tape markers are appearing in all stores and we'll update this story when we get a response.
What is social distancing?
SOCIAL distancing measures are steps you can take to reduce the social interaction between people.
The government says these will help reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Its recommendations are:
- Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough
- Avoid non-essential use of public transport, varying your travel times to avoid rush hour, when possible
- Work from home, where possible. Your employer should support you to do this. Please refer to employer guidance for more information
- Avoid large gatherings, and gatherings in smaller public spaces such as pubs, cinemas, restaurants, theatres, bars, clubs
- Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media
- Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services
The government's so-called "social distancing" guidance is to avoid large gatherings, and gatherings in smaller public spaces such as pubs, cinemas, restaurants, theatres, bars, clubs.
But it hasn't gone as far as to close establishments down.
It also says you can still go for a walk outdoors if you stay more than 2metres away from others.
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A McDonald’s spokesperson said: "In light of the recent government guidance relating to social distancing, we have closed seating areas and Play Places and switched to takeaway, mobile order click and collect, Drive Thru and McDelivery temporarily.
"In addition, restaurant teams are doing their part to educate and inform around the government recommendations about maintaining a metre distance from others where possible."
A Tesco spokesperson added: “To ensure we are doing everything possible to reduce the risk of infection for both our customers and colleagues, we will be introducing some distancing measures at the checkout and, to make it swifter, invite customers who can, to pay by card.”
More on coronavirus
The retailer this week closed 24-hour stores early between 10pm and 6am to allow time to re-stock shelves and clean supermarkets.
It's also now limited shoppers to three items across all grocery and household products to try to prevent people from stockpiling.
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