Coronavirus: McDonald's ditch dining in and switch to takeaway only

All of Northamptonshire's McDonald's have become takeaway only in the battle to beat the coronavirus pandemic.

The iconic burger chain will scrap dine-in options, shut seating and close children's play areas, but toilets will remain open.

In a statement, McDonalds UK chief executive Paul Pomroy said: 'In the last 24 hours it has become clear that we need to temporarily change our operations to ensure the well-being of our employees and customers consistent with the Government's guidance on social distancing.

"Therefore from 5am today (Wednesday March 18) all restaurants will close seating areas and temporarily move to being takeaway, Drive Thru and McDelivery® only."

"We will continue to implement our strengthened, detailed cleaning procedures both in our restaurants and with our McDelivery® partners to ensure we maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and food safety. With immediate effect, all of our Drive Thrus and all McDelivery® orders via Uber Eats and Just Eat, will be contact-free, with no physical contact between customers, employees and couriers wherever possible."