THREE McDonald's restaurants have reopened in Chester, Cheshire Oaks and Broughton for drive-thru and deliveries.

New measures have been put in place to help keep employees and customers safe, following a successful pilot at a limited number of McDonald's outlets in May.

This means the McDonald's drive-thru facilities at the Greyhound Retail Park in Chester, Cheshire Oaks and Broughton Shopping Park are open for business once more, as of 11am today (Wednesday, June 3), as well as the option for deliveries.

With restaurant teams adjusting to new procedures to enable safe working and social distancing, things may take a little longer – and high demand is anticipated.

McDonald’s and its franchisees are working closely with local authorities and the police, and may determine that it is necessary to close Drive Thru lanes if queues cause disruption at busier sites or put employees or customers at risk.

To help create a safe experience for everyone, McDonald’s has introduced a number of changes to their restaurants, including:

  • Social distancing has been introduced in the kitchens and service areas to help create a safe working environment for restaurant teams.
  • Perspex screens at Drive-Thru windows and employees wearing protective equipment, as well as Perspex screens and floor markings in specific areas in the restaurant and kitchen.
  • All McDonald’s employees will be asked to confirm they are fit and able to work and contactless thermometers will be used to take employee temperatures on arrival at work for every shift.
  • Ensuring delivery procedures with couriers are contactless for both staff and customers
  • Restaurants will return with smaller teams, offering a limited menu and operating reduced hours.
  • Encouraging capped spend for drive-thru and deliveries at £25 per order, and customers are encouraged to pay by contactless payment methods.

For those visiting drive-thrus, customers are encouraged to browse the menu, order and pay ahead using the 'My McDonald’s' app

A McDonald's spokesperson said: "As employees and the business adapt to a new way of working, McDonald’s would like to thank customers for their continued support and patience."

Over 1,000 McDonald’s restaurants will be open in the UK and Ireland this week, either for drive-thru or delivery.