McDonald's has reopened 700 branches in the UK, allowing customers to dine inside following months of social distancing trials across the country.
The move was made on July 22 in England, Ireland and Scotland, though branches in Wales will remain closed in line with ongoing local government restrictions.
However strict social distancing measures remain in place - including customers being asked to use hand sanitiser, wear masks at certain times and follow the safety measures laid out in restaurants to help keep them, other customers and restaurant teams safe.
Food will be served by table-service only with customers able to order directly to their table via the My McDonald’s App, at the till or kiosk.
After the government introduced the compulsory wearing of masks on July 24, the fast food chain has revealed its rules around face coverings in branches, reports the Liverpool Echo.
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When you need to wear a face mask at McDonald’s
- If you’re collecting a takeaway
- When ordering at the counter
- If you’re using a self-order kiosk
- When using the toilets
- Whenever you're moving around the restaurant
When you don’t need to wear a face mask at McDonald’s
- Once seated at a table to dine in
- When using the drive thru. A McDonald’s spokesperson told one Twitter user: “The Government's guidance applies to those inside the restaurant, whilst they're not eating, so the Drive Thru is unaffected”
The chain said it will also be working with the NHS's track and trace service, urging all customers to provide their contact details if they choose to eat-in.
This can be done via a smartphone or a QR code which will be available on each table.
Customers will be asked to leave the name of the lead member and the number of people within their group as well as a phone number, the date and time of visit and the restaurant number.
Ongoing safety measures also include one-way markers and encouraging all customers to pay via contactless where possible.
The chain said it will also be taking part in the Chancellor's new Eat Out to Help Out scheme, offering 50% off dine-in bills, up to £10 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from August 3.
It comes after the chain slashed prices on dozens of favourites last week in line with the government's new VAT cut.
For six months, the levy will be slashed from 20% to 5% to help give the hospitality sector a boost as pubs and restaurants reopen.
As a result, McDonald's said customers can now enjoy 40p off Extra Value Meals and 30p off Happy Meals.
McNuggets, the Big Mac and Quarter Pounders with cheese are also 20p cheaper.
McMuffins cost 30p less while breakfast meals are a full 50p less.
