Coronavirus: McDonald's reveals first UK restaurants set to reopen since lockdown
The 15 outlets are largely based in and around London and the South East, and include three in Luton and two in Chelmsford.
Tuesday 5 May 2020 12:59, UK
McDonald's has announced which restaurants it plans to reopen next Wednesday for the first time since the coronavirus lockdown.
The 15 sites, which will all be for delivery only from 13 May, are largely based in and around London and the South East.
They include three in Luton, Bedfordshire, two in Chelmsford, Essex and two in Gillingham, Kent.
The fast food outlets will offer a limited menu and will open from 11am until 10pm.
Breakfast options will not be available for the time being to allow for smaller teams to follow social distancing guidelines in the kitchens.
The restaurants set to reopen for delivery are:
Chelmsford Riverside
Chelmsford Westway
Ipswich Cardinal Park
Boreham Interchange
Luton Leagrave
Chaul End Lane, Luton
Luton George Street
Watford Hertfordshire Arms
Beechings Way, Gillingham
Gillingham Bowaters
Sittingbourne Retail Park
Tooting
Dalston
Welling
Harrow
McDonald's closed its doors on 22 March after the government outlined strict social distancing measures because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Last week, the company's chief executive for the UK and Ireland Paul Pomroy said "controlled tests" had been carried out to ensure the restaurants could open safely amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
He said perspex screens and floor markings had been introduced in specific areas of the restaurants, while protective equipment, including non-medical grade face masks, would be given to employees.
Each employee will also be asked if they are fit to work and will have their temperatures taken before starting each shift.
Social distancing measures will also be employed on both McDonald's staff and the company's delivery partners, Mr Pomroy said.
Also, McDonald's has said it is hoping to reduce the rent it pays to landlords as it slowly begins reopening its branches.
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A spokesman told Sky News in a statement: "Despite restaurants being closed, we have continued to pay rent in full and have been very clear that we will continue to meet our obligations to landlords across the McDonald's estate."
He added: "Given the unprecedented situation and impact it has had on the business, we have opened dialogue with some of our landlords to discuss how they might offer support on rent and service charges for a short period due to our restaurants not trading."