Since late April states have been slowing reopening and lifting restrictions on businesses and restaurants after the initial coronavirus pandemic outbreak. But don't expect your favorite fast-food chain to be "back-to-normal" any time soon. Recently McDonald's Corp released a 59-page document outlining social distancing measures franchisees would be required to comply with before opening their dining areas. Some new safety measures include cleaning and sanitizing tables every half-hour and shutting down self-service drink machines. Gone are the days of unlimited refills.
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McDonald's Releases 59-Page Reopening Guide
According to the document, Franchisees will be required to pay for their own social distancing supplies, including floor decals, protective panels at the kiosks, and face masks. Employees will be required to have temperature checks before shifts and wear masks. The guide also includes instructions on contactless operations, how to clean restrooms and dining areas, and how to answer customer questions such as, "Why are you re-opening your dining rooms now?"
The answer is: "With our enhanced safety and sanitation procedures in place, we will be keeping the health and safety of employees and customers top of mind while giving our customers some semblance of normalcy."
Restaurant operators will be opening the dining rooms in compliance with local government protocols and local laws to ensure that customers are safe. Play areas are still shut down until further notice.
Fewer than 100 McDonald's restaurants have reopened their dining rooms in the states where a complete coronavirus lockdown is still in place. The brand is still urging customers to use the drive-thru or carry out to slow the spread of Covid-19.
It looks like McDonald's isn't the only fast food chain looking to open up its dining room. According to the NY Times, Restaurant Brands International, the parent company of Burger King and Popeyes, shared that it will begin opening dining rooms under the guidance of local authorities.
