McDonald's outlets in the Highlands to halt sit down service in wake of coronavirus pandemic; but drive thru, takeaway and delivery options will continue at all outlets in Inverness and further afield despite the impact of Covid-19, UK and Ireland bosses have insisted

FAST food giant McDonalds' Highland eateries are to begin operating as drive-thru, takeaway and delivery only - in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Fans of Big Macs and McNugget meals will still be able to pick up their favourite fast food feasts, but seating areas are to be cordoned off at all McDonald's eateries in the UK from 5am tomorrow in a bid to cope with the continued spread of Covid-19 around the world.

Confirming the news this evening, Paul Pomroy, the chief executive officer for McDonald's UK and Ireland, said: "Our restaurants will remain open for as long as it is safe to do so. In the last 24 hours it has become clear that we need to temporarily change our operations to ensure the wellbeing of our employees and customers consistent with the governments’ guidance on social distancing.

"Therefore from 5am tomorrow morning (Wednesday) all restaurants will close seating areas and temporarily move to being takeaway, Drive Thru and McDelivery only.

"No restaurants will offer dine-in or table service, but My McDonald’s App will continue to offer the opportunity to order and pay ahead for collection and Drive Thru;

"Toilets and handwashing facilities will remain open wherever possible but seating areas and children’s play areas will close.

"We will continue to implement our strengthened, detailed cleaning procedures both in our restaurants and with our McDelivery partners to ensure we maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and food safety.

"With immediate effect, all of our Drive Thrus and all McDelivery orders via Uber Eats and Just Eat, will be contact-free, with no physical contact between customers, employees and couriers wherever possible.

"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. We have not taken this decision lightly and will continue to review this over the coming days."

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