Popular Pan Asian restaurant Wagamama has announced it is re-opening a small number of its branches for delivery only.
Following government guidelines and medical advice, the chain is reopening some of its kitchens from tomorrow, Thursday, April 30.
It will reopen Peckham, Hackney, Bow and Leeds.
Emma Woods, Wagamama CEO said: “We have made the decision to start a phased re-opening for delivery, with the initial opening of our delivery kitchens.
"We have taken medical advice on how we keep our teams safe in a kitchen environment from a doctor who advises on health and safety in challenging operating environments, including previous experience in the cruise industry.
"This will be very much a test and learn approach for the business and roll-out depends on team and customer feedback.”
It comes weeks after the popular chain launched a cooking series on its Facebook page, showing fans how to re-create popular menu items at home.
The move follows the likes of KFC and McDonald's, both of which also announced store reopenings this week.
Dr Kate Bunyan, who has helped Wagamama formulate a safe working protocol, explained: “I have been working with Wagamama over the last few weeks to introduce new safety protocols, so their teams can feel safe, whilst providing the important service of food preparation for delivery.
"These now include the mandatory use of health questionnaires before every shift, no contact with delivery riders and increased frequency of hygiene regimes.
“In a team environment like this it is vital that each team member is vigilant about any deterioration in their health, and that they do not come into work if they feel unwell in any way.
"There are key symptoms associated with COVID-19 (new continuous dry cough, fever, breathing difficulties), but there are other more minor symptoms too and we don’t expect people to try to diagnose themselves. We are encouraging all those involved in the Wagamama operation to use the NHS 111 online service if they feel unwell.”
