Here's how McDonald's Canada plans to reintroduce takeout services (PHOTOS)
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McDonald’s Canada has announced its plan to welcome customers back into restaurants across the country, starting with the return of takeout service.
The fast-food joint will begin its transition with 30 restaurants, where new protective measures and procedures will be tested, monitored, and adapted for national implementation.
The change will be gradual and careful, the company says, and additional locations will follow in reopening as the new safety measures are proven effective and local health authorities allow.
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CNW Group/McDonald’s Canada
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“To keep our guests and hardworking employees safe, we’re approaching every stage of this transition gradually, beginning with enhanced safeguards in a small group of restaurants that we will test and learn from,” said Doug Fry, Senior Director, National Operations, McDonald’s Canada, in a release.
“We will continue to take the lead from all levels of government and local health authorities as we monitor and adapt what’s necessary in these test restaurants.”
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CNW Group/McDonald’s Canada
The following measures will be in place at the test locations McDonald’s is starting its transition with:
- Restaurants will reopen for takeout service in addition to remaining open for McDelivery, curbside service and drive-thru. Dining room seating and Play Places will remain closed
- Contact-free service will extend to in-restaurant takeout
- There will be dedicated restaurant entrances and exits, with social distancing markings inside and out, for both guests and McDelivery drivers
- Every second register will be used in-restaurant and will be fitted with protective screens
- High-touch areas — including kiosks and washrooms, which will be open — are to be sanitized frequently
- Drink refills and reusable mugs will remain on hold, and condiment stations will be closed
- The number of guests permitted inside a restaurant at one time will be limited based on restaurant size
Further, the company says that “every precaution” will be taken to ensure employees feel comfortable working.
Restaurant staff will be provided with disposable, non-medical masks, as well as gloves for those who handle cash and present guest orders. On top of this, strict hand-washing procedures will continue to be adhered to.
Additionally, steps will be taken to ensure staff are healthy wellness checks will be performed at the start of a shift for all restaurant employees and, as previously, anyone not feeling well will be sent home to self-isolate.
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CNW Group/McDonald’s Canada
“We are committed to providing Canadians with a safe environment and trusted source of quick and affordable meals at a time when so many other options are unavailable,” said John Betts, President and CEO, McDonald’s Canada.
“As we prepare to welcome guests back into our restaurants, we will purposely ensure our transition back to take-out service happens at the right time in the right way. Our guests and our people expect that from us.”
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CNW Group/McDonald’s Canada
The quick-service company says that as it transitions to welcoming guests back into restaurants for takeout service, it will continue to work closely with government and public health authorities to ensure changes are made responsibly, and at the appropriate time.