McDonald's has announced it will be suspending all seating at restaurants in the UK, as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
The change will come into force from 5am on Wednesday (18 March) but the burger chain will still be operating takeaway, delivery, and drive-thru options.
Speaking about the news, McDonald's UK and Ireland boss Paul Pomroy said: "The wellbeing of our employees, customers and suppliers remains of the greatest importance to us and these changes are designed with you all in mind.
Advert
"We have not taken this decision lightly and will continue to review this over the coming days."
It has also announced that McDonald's will be delaying this year's Monopoly promotion until bosses can be certain that customers will be able to claim their prizes.
The statement went on: "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.
Advert
"Following conversations with our suppliers and prize partners, we feel it is appropriate to delay the promotion until later this year.
"I apologise for any disappointment caused by this update and I look forward to Monopoly returning to our restaurants as soon as possible."
The news comes a week after Maccies announced it was going to be improving its cleaning policies at all of its restaurants in light of the pandemic.
At the time, this included more thorough cleaning of surfaces and touch-screen tablets, as well as encouraging employees to make sure they were washing their hands regularly.
Advert
However, in light of announcements from the UK government regarding the importance of self-isolating and avoiding pubs, bars, and restaurants, the chain has taken the decision to temporarily close seating at its franchises.
Reacting to the current struggles of homeowners across the UK, the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak today announced a three-month 'mortgage holiday'.
He confirmed that the government had spoken with mortgage lenders and assured those who were struggling as a result of the ongoing pandemic would not have to pay their mortgages for three months.
Mr Sunak told the assembled media that more measures would be announced.
Advert
Pledging to do 'whatever it takes' during 'a time to be bold, a time for courage', he said: "This government will give you all the tools you need to get through this."
This was on top of the 12-month business rates holiday for all pubs, theatres, music venues, shops and restaurants - following criticism from the government for jeopardising businesses across the UK.
It's okay to not panic. LADbible and UNILAD's aim with our Coronavirus campaign, Cutting Through, is to provide our community with facts and stories from the people who are either qualified to comment or have experienced first-hand the situation we're facing. For more information from the World Health Organisation on Coronavirus, click here.
Topics: UK News, Interesting, McDonald's
