McDonald's is to shut for walk-in takeaway services due to Covid-19 fears – but fear not: you can still order it for delivery or pick up your grub in the drive-thru.
The news means customers won't be able to walk into the fast food chain to order a takeaway, and comes amid escalating case numbers over recent days.
The burger favourite says it has taken the move in the interests of public safety, after stark warnings from politicians and public health experts this week.
If you want a McDonald's, you now have to order it for delivery, or else pick it up in the drive-thru, a spokesperson confirmed.
A statement from the restaurant explained the decision – which is in place for the foreseeable future: "As per the Irish Government’s current guidance, all of our drive thru’s will remain open and we will continue to provide a delivery service for our customers.
"Our dine-in and walk-in takeaway services will be temporarily unavailable while we take time to review and reassess our safety procedures with an independent health and safety body.
"This is a temporary change in our operations to allow us to test and validate any additional measures that may enhance the safety of our takeaway service.
"We will continue to keep customers updated via our social media channels and our website."
The move comes as the country awaits another announcement from the Government over further restrictions on schools, construction and international travel.
Cabinet is meeting today to discuss ratcheting up its Covid-19 response – and it's understood schools will remain closed until at least the end of January.
Yesterday, the Chief Medical Officer warned that Ireland is likely to see a massive spike in the number of deaths related to coronavirus over the next few weeks.
Dr Tony Holohan said public health chiefs expect a "very sharp increase in mortality."
