The country's biggest fast food chain has spoken out on plans to reopen its doors, as rivals Burger King and Greggs launch new takeaway services for fans.
After weeks of speculation, McDonald's has issued a statement about how it plans to reopen restaurants amid the coronavirus crisis.
The restaurant chain closed on 24 March, with fans queuing around the block for their last meal deal for at least three weeks - a measure that has since been extended.
However, the fast food giant has said it is now working through a "potential and limited reopening".
It comes after the company was forced to deny reports that it's planning to reopen all restaurants in May.
Posting on social media, the company wrote: "Well, our notifications are going wild tonight - we miss you too. We promise we will update you here as soon as we have confirmed our plans. Stay safe, stay at home and we will see you soon."
And now McDonald's has released a full statement regarding any future reopening.
McDonald's CEO UK and Ireland, Paul Pomroy, said: "In March, we took the decision to temporarily close our restaurants in the UK and Ireland for the safety of our people and customers.
"Recently, we began working through a potential and limited reopening. We have been listening to our employees and customers as well as engaging with government and trade bodies to help ensure we do this responsibly, when the time is right.
"Restarting our business is not an easy task even when reopening in a limited capacity. 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.
"For now we remain closed, and will only reopen when we are absolutely confident we can have the right measures in place to ensure everyone's wellbeing."
