McDonald’s given the green light to reopen all its UK drive-thrus during coronavirus lockdown

MCDONALD’S is free to reopen all drive-thru lanes in the UK, a Government minister has said.

Environment secretary George Eustice said the fast food chain’s drive-thru service was “made” for social distancing.

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It comes as McDonald’s is getting ready to reopen 15 restaurants for delivery this Wednesday, May 13.

These chains will only be open for delivery orders - the fast food chain hasn’t given an update on drive-thrus.

Speaking during the daily coronavirus update over the weekend, Mr Eustice said it was “quite possible” for drive-thru lanes to reopen safely.

McDonald’s restaurants were never specifically asked to close, he said.

In a separate speech over the weekend, Prime Minister Boris Johnson changed the coronavirus UK message from "stay at home" to "stay alert" - and he said Brits will be able to take trips in their cars from this Wednesday, May 15.

McDonald's announced it was temporarily shutting down all 1,350 restaurants on March 23 after it became "increasingly difficult" to maintain safe standards.

However, Mr Eustice said retailers have "learned a lot" from how supermarkets have carried on serving customers throughout the coronavirus crisis.

This includes maintaining two-metre distances in stores and limiting the number of customers allowed inside at one time.

Mr Eustice said: "We never mandated [fast food chains] should close.

"We have learned a lot from supermarkets and other food outlets about how you can do social distancing and do it well.

"I think some of those food-to-go businesses will probably be seeking to learn lessons from what supermarkets have done as they consider tentatively reopening."

McDonald's customers will only be able to order food for delivery via Uber Eats at the 15 delivery-only restaurants.

There will also be a limited menu in place.

In addition, branches will operate under temporarily reduced hours of 11am until 10pm, which means they won't be serving breakfast options for the foreseeable.

Restaurants will remain closed for the public to enter, so you won't be able to eat inside.

To keep workers safe, staff will be given gloves and face masks, and there will be perspex screens installed at checkouts.

Staff will also have their temperatures checked before each shift to make sure they're fit to work.

Customers will be asked to pay for their food with card and contactless payments where possible.

Announcing the reopening of these restaurants, Paul Pomroy, Chief Executive Officer for McDonald’s UK and Ireland, said: "On May 13 we will reopen 15 of our restaurants in the UK; this will be in a limited capacity with delivery only.

He added: "As you know, McDonald’s already has high standards for cleanliness and routine cleaning of our restaurants has always been in place. 

"We will increase how often these procedures are completed and provide all employees with updated training on restaurant cleanliness and sanitisation.

"All restaurants will be deep cleaned before reopening."

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