Inside McDonald’s restaurants with safety measures in place as they reopen for walk-in takeaways
MCDONALD’S restaurants will look different as they reopen for walk-in takeaways this month.
The fast food chain confirmed it will reopen “many” of its branches from this week after closing for walk-in takeaways at the start of lockdown in January.
Until now, McDonald’s customers have only been able to order food for delivery via Just Eat and Uber Eats, or through drive-thru lanes.
The chain said it took the decision to close for takeaway while it reviews extra safety measures to keep workers and customers safe.
These pictures show how McDonald’s restaurants looked at the end of last year, before they closed for walk-in takeaways.
We’ve asked McDonald’s if they have any additional measures in place and we’ll update this article when we know more.
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
Like many stores, Maccies asks customers to follow a one-way system, which has been marked on the floor, to help people keep two metres apart.
There are also boxes made out of tape on the floor to mark out where you should stand.
The number of customers allowed inside the restaurants at one time are limited although caps vary by branch depending on the size and layout.
All customers coming into the building are asked to wash their hands with santiser at one of the newly erected stations.
Before lockdown, customers were still able to use touch screens to place their orders.
In a letter to customers, McDonald’s confirmed its touch screens would still be switched on for orders, but there will be enhanced cleaning in place.
Alternatively, customers can order their food to collect for free via the My McDonald’s app.
Before lockdown, children were welcome but all of the colouring in equipment had been put away and the digital play screens switched off.
As per government guidelines, the seating areas, customer toilets, lifts and recycling points will all remain closed.
These rules are on top of the safety measures already put in place by the fast food giant.
These include, fewer staff, social distancing in the kitchens and PPE for staff if they want it.
Most read in Money
Drive-thrus have also remained open and McDonald’s will now also deliver food to your car so you can skip the drive-thru queue.
McDonald’s has around 1,300 across the UK. You can find your nearest one by using its restaurant finder tool.
During the third national lockdown in England, hospitality venues like restaurants, pubs and bars have been ordered to stay closed.