McDonald’s explains 6 changes for customers including delivery and drive-thru rules

MCDONALD’S restaurants are open for delivery and drive-thru only during the third lockdown - we explain other changes that are currently in place.

The new rules mean customers aren’t able to walk inside restaurants for a takeaway.

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McDonald’s fans also aren’t able to sit inside and eat, as dine-in is still unavailable.

The fast food chain confirmed its golden arches will temporarily shut for takeaway following the third national lockdown in England.

But there are other changes customers should be aware of.

has released a new video explaining all its new rules and safety measures - you can watch it at the top of this article.

We've also rounded up the changes below:

Delivery or drive-thru only

At the moment, you can only order McDonald's for home delivery or at a drive-thru.

You can't walk into restaurants to get a takeaway, and dine-in remains out of bounds.

If you want to order for home delivery, McDonald's has partnered with both Uber Eats and Just Eat - although not all restaurants offer both services.

To see if your local McDonald's delivers, type your postcode into the Uber Eats or Just Eat website.

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But keep in mind you'll be charged a delivery fee on top of your order - this can vary depending on how far away you live from the restaurant but can be as much as £3.99.

You can find where your nearest McDonald's is by using its . McDonald's has around 1,300 locations in the UK and Ireland.

If you have a car, you are able to use drive-thru lanes as normal.

As of December, McDonald's fans can also order in advance through the My McDonald's app and have their items brought to their car window in a numbered bay at all branches.

It doesn't cost more to use this service.

Reduced opening hours

McDonald's warns that its restaurants are currently open under reduced hours.

But again, as opening times will vary, you should check the McDonald's for the latest hours.

Under lockdown rules, pubs and restaurants can serve takeaways and deliveries until 11pm. Drive-thrus can stay open later than this.

For breakfast, some McDonald's open as early as 5am with brekkie being served until 11am.

Fewer staff on shift

You may notice there are fewer staff on shift at any one time - this is so workers can keep a safe distance apart.

McDonald's warns this could mean it takes longer to complete your order, so keep this in mind if you're in a rush.

It said: "We know we may not be as fast as usual, so thank you for your patience and kindness to our crew during this time."

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Increased cleaning

To keep work spaces Covid-secure, McDonald's confirmed it has increased its cleaning regimes across restaurants.

This includes cleaning surfaces, touch points and equipment more often.

McDonald's first started upping its cleaning during the first lockdown.

Perspex screens

McDonald's started installing perspex screens for staff and customers during the first lockdown.

The dividers also help customers maintain social distancing at order screens and till points.

The fast food chain confirmed it's still using these screens in its latest video update.

PPE for staff

Staff should be dressed in PPE to help keep them safe when serving customers.

This includes gloves, aprons and face masks for staff who aren't excempt.

According to the official government guidance, the following groups are not required to wear a face-covering while using public transport, in a shop, pub or restaurant:

• A child under the age of 11
• People who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
• An employee of the transport operator, or in any other indoor setting where appropriate when they are acting in the course of their employment
• Where a mask causes the wearer severe distress
• An emergency responder such as a police officer, paramedic or fire officer acting in the course of their duty
• Someone speaking to or helping anyone who relies on lip reading, clear sound or facial expressions to communicate
• Someone acting to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to themselves or others - including if it would negatively impact on your ability to exercise or participate in a strenuous activity

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