McDonald's is currently testing ways they could possibly reopen Irish stores - but insisted no decision will be made until the safety of staff can be assured.
The fast food giant shut all its stores across both the UK and Ireland last month in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
However the organisation is now exploring ways they could reopen while observing social distancing measures.
This could include the wearing of PPE and opening with limited capacity.
Paul Pomroy, McDonald’s CEO UK and Ireland, revealed that the trials are taking place at stores in the UK.
He 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 in the UK and Ireland 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 UK restaurant where these tests will 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.”
