When will McDonald’s restaurants reopen in the UK?

MCDONALD'S closed all of their 1,350 stores due to the coronavirus outbreak.

But now ministers have said McDonald's drive-thrus could reopen during the lockdown as they were "made" for social distancing. 

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When did McDonald's close?

McDonald's shut its doors on Monday, March 23, at 7pm.

The fast food company said all of its 1,350 stores in UK and Ireland would remain closed in a bid to prevent further spread of coronavirus.

McDonald's - who have around 135,000 employees on their books - had initially remained open when Boris Johnson introduced social distancing measures.

Environment secretary George Eustice said the chain's drive-thrus were "made" for social distancing as Britain prepares for another three weeks.

When will McDonald's open again?

Mr Eustice said it was "quite possible" for takeaway restaurants to operate safely amid the pandemic during the daily coronavirus briefing.

He said: "A McDonald’s drive-through is made for the social distancing situation that we are in.”

It comes as the fast food giant has already drawn up plans to reopen 15 branches for delivery orders on May 13.

They have not revealed which ones they will be opening. 

McDonald's temporarily closed all 1,350 restaurants on March 23 due to the coronavirus lockdown.

Before shutting down, the firm had kept branches open for takeaway and drive-thru orders.

It had taken measures like using sticky tape to mark out social distance boxes on the floor and shutting off seating and children's play areas.

Asked if fast food outlets could have stayed open, Mr Eustice said: "While clearly restaurants and pubs had to close, we were quite keen to keep that capacity to be able to do takeaway food for people."

In their statement, McDonald's UK and Ireland CEO, Paul Pomroy, said that they will only be open for delivery and open from 11am to 10pm - meaning no breakfast.

They will be operating on a limited menu as well, which does not include any wraps, milkshakes or smoothies.

Meanwhile, they will also be using several social distancing methods to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Among them include perspex screens and floor markings, while employees will be provided with non-medical grade face masks.

Staff will also have their temperature taken upon arrival at work to test if they are fit to work.

Are any McDonald's restaurants still open?

Yes, but sadly not in the UK.

Most McDonald's restaurants remain open in the US and all are open in Australia where they are only allowing takeaway, drive-thru and delivery services.

In Australia, McDonald's is also offering customers the ability to buy bread and milk at the drive-thru as supermarkets continue to be overwhelmed during the coronavirus lockdown.

In the US some restaurant dine-in areas are closed and they are also urging customers to follow social distancing rules and use delivery and drive-thru services instead.

Some particularly committed McDonald's fans in the UK have resorted to making their own versions of the fast food chain's menu at home.

Meanwhile, France began to reopen their McDonald's restaurants - leading to eager customers queuing for THREE HOURS to order in their drive-thru.