“This is not a decision we are taking lightly.”
All McDonald’s across Ireland and the UK will be closing indefinitely due to the coronavirus.
Each of the 95 fast food restaurants in the Republic of Ireland will be shutting their doors from today, March 23, by 7pm at the latest.
A statement released last night said that the restaurant was closing to protect the health of its staff as well as its customers.
“This is not a decision we are taking lightly but one made with the well-being and safety of our employees in mind as well as the best interests of our customers,” it said.
“We will work with local community groups to responsibly distribute food and drink from our restaurants in the coming days.
“Thank you to our brilliant employees for their hard work during this incredibly challenging time. We look forward to seeing you all again as soon as it is safe to reopen.”
An update from McDonald’s UK and Ireland — See you soon pic.twitter.com/43moFRrWRR
— McDonald's UK (@McDonaldsUK) March 22, 2020
Four people in Ireland have now died as a result of the coronavirus.
Pubs, bars, and the majority of shops have since shut their doors to the public in a bid to curb the spread of the virus.