Subway has told its sandwich shop franchisees to close all branches today until further notice.
In a statement, Subway’s UK and Ireland director, Colin Hughes, said he has authorised franchise owners - who run individual or multiple Subway shops - to close their doors from 5pm and stay shut until further instruction, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Mr Hughes said: “We have taken the decision to authorise our franchise owners to close all their stores in the UK and Ireland, from 5pm today, Monday 23 March.
“We took this decision as we want to continue doing everything in our power to keep people safe.
“We believe closing the stores is the right thing to do. By supporting social distancing, we can help protect not just our loyal guests, dedicated franchise owners and sandwich artists, but the wider communities they serve.
“Locally, over today and tomorrow, franchise owners will be using up their fresh ingredients to donate subs to local community groups and emergency workers, wherever possible.
We’ll be back with you as soon as we can.
“Be kind and stay safe.”
Bars, cafes and restaurants were ordered to shut on Friday, although they are still allowed to operate a takeaway trade. Prime Minister Boris Johnson could announce further measures at his daily coronavirus press conference this afternoon.
McDonald’s will also shut up shop around the UK on Monday.
