McDonald’s closes for takeaways – but you can still use drive-thru and delivery
MCDONALD'S has closed its branches for takeaway - but you can still order through its drive-thrus and for home delivery.
The fast food chain confirmed its golden arches will temporarily shut their doors following the third national lockdown in England.
It's not clear when walk-in services will resume, but customers are advised to check McDonald's social media channels and website for any updates.
In the meantime, fast food lovers will still be able to order at drive-thru restaurants and for home delivery.
As of December, McDonald's fans can also order in advance and have their items brought to their car window in a numbered bay at all branches.
The idea is to save diners time waiting around in long drive-thru queues.
During the third national lockdown in England, hospitality venues like restaurants, pubs and bars have been ordered to stay closed.
However, food and non-alcoholic drinks are still able to be sold as takeaway items and for home delivery until 11pm.
The new guidance says that all food and drink - including alcohol - is also allowed to be delivered.
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also announced a full national lockdown this week, while Wales entered a country-wide shutdown on December 28.
And Northern Ireland went into a six-week lockdown from December 26.
What Covid measures has McDonald's introduced?
THE fast food chain has introduced a wide range of measures to keep staff and customers safe - these include:
- Protective screens in its kitchen and service areas
- Smaller teams in its kitchens to enable social distancing
- Face coverings and daily temperature checks for all employees
- Hand and bag sanitising stations and face coverings for its McDelivery partner couriers
- Contact-free order and payment available via the My McDonald’s App
- Enhanced cleaning of all surfaces and touchpoints
McDonald's said it made the decision to close for takeaway while it reviews any extra safety measures to keep workers and customers safe.
It tweeted: "Following the government announcements, we are pleased to remain open, but with a few changes.
"We know this is a really difficult time for everyone and we really appreciate your patience and kindness, both with our crew and online."
It added: "Our restaurants across the UK and Ireland will remain open for Drive-thru and McDelivery.
"Click & Serve through the My Mcdonald's app will be available at our Drive-thru restauarants.
"Dine-in and walk-in services will be temporarily closed in all restaurants from 11pm tonight while we review and verify any additional safety measures for these services."
The announcement comes after a surge of a mutant strain of Covid-19 saw the alert level raised to five this week for the first time ever.
This should tell you whether your local Maccies has a drive-thru.
For delivery, McDonald's has partnered with both Uber Eats and Just Eat - but not all restaurants offer both services.
You should also keep in mind that you'll pay a delivery charge on top of your order. This usually depends on how far away from the restaurant you are.
Enter your postcode on Uber Eats and Just Eat to see if McDonald's delivery is available near you.
Last week, a former McDonald’s employee revealed how to save money on your order simply by changing your wording.
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McDonald's fans can currently also get a free coffee or hot drink at the chain.
Meanwhile, love birds planning to tie the knot could soon get married at McDonald’s as outdated rules on wedding venues are set to be scrapped.