McDonald's is now mandating that its QSR customers mask up, just like its employees, and is also postponing opening dine-in options for another 30-day period, according to an email from the company. In fact, McDonald's said it will also install protective panels in both the front- and back-of-house areas at restaurants where conditions call for it, as part of its enhanced COVID-19 safety precautions in the U.S.

"This means we will not approve the re-opening of any additional dining rooms," McDonald's U.S. President Joe Erlinger said in a blog. "Locally, any dining room roll-back decisions should be guided by state and local guidance. This continues to be an owner/operator-led decision, but we ask that you consult with your operations officer and franchise business partner."

The company also said employees will offer masks to non-masked customers attempting to enter any U.S. location. If someone refuses, McDonald's employees will expedite the order and direct the customer to a pick-up area that is a safe distance from other customers.

Finally, the brand said it was retrofitting the front- and back-of-house areas with divider panels at restaurants where operators determine conditions require the panels. The company said that "DIY solutions" to the panels that are of the same quality and measurements will also be allowed.

Copyright © 2020 Networld Media. All rights reserved., source Industry News