McDonald’s tells staff it’s getting ready to reopen as PPE and social distancing tests start this week
MCDONALDS has told staff it is getting ready to reopen by testing social distancing measures and personal protective equipment this week.
Employees will also have access to training as part of proposed plans to safely reopen its 1,350 branches around the UK.
The details were revealed in a memo sent to McDonalds employees which has been seen by The Sun.
It said: "Like many businesses, we are currently looking at the potential of reopening in some capacity, once modified operations procedures are in place.
"We continue to work with government and trade bodies to make sure we do this in a responsible way, when the time is right."
The statement added that branches would only reopen when they are confident that the right procedures are in place.
It will be carrying out testing this week to look at new rules, including social distancing, PPE options for staff, as well as offering a "limited capacity."
Last week, it was revealed that the fast food chain is working on plans to reopen in mid-May for takeaways and deliveries.
But the fast food chain told The Sun it has not confirmed a date.
Before McDonald's closed it had shut off seating and children's play areas.
It had also started using sticky tape to mark out boxes on floors to indicate safe distances.
Paul Pomroy, McDonald’s CEO UK and Ireland, said: “We have set ourselves some key criteria for reopening, all of which take time.
”First and foremost ensuring the wellbeing of our people and creating the right environment for them to return to work, secondly ensuring we have enough supply of fresh produce and finally, working in-step with government guidelines to ensure the safety of our customers.
“This week we are carrying out some operational tests to explore what our reopening might look like; the restaurant where these tests take place will remain closed to the public.
“These tests will include exploring social distancing measures for our crew, PPE options and opening in a limited capacity.”
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While McDonald's addicts queued for up to three hours when a handful of restaurants reopened for drive-through meals in France last week.
Other food chains have begun to reopen branches for takeaway and delivery, including KFC and Burger King.
KFC has reopened 15 branches for delivery and takeaway orders only, while 20 Five Guys chains are now open for delivery and click and collect.