McDonald’s Singapore has suspended its restaurant operations in all its outlets, including McDelivery and Drive-Thru until 4 May, as a precautionary measure amid the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.
McDonald’s Singapore made the announcement via Facebook on Sunday (19 April) that it will close all its restaurants at 11am on the same day, and will take the last Drive-Thru and Delivery orders at 8am and 10.30am, respectively.
“As a preventative action in the fight against COVID-19, we’ve been advised by the Ministry of Health to suspend all restaurant operations, including McDelivery and Drive-Thru, until May 4,” it stated.
McDonald’s Singapore added, “These are unprecedented times for all of us. With the safety of all our customers and employees as the top priority, we will do all we can to help Singapore flatten the curve.”
The announcement came shortly after the fast-food chain announced on Facebook last Friday (17 April) the suspension of takeaways, in which it stated that takeaways will temporarily be suspended beginning from Saturday (18 April) until 4 May.
McDonald’s Singapore has more than 10,000 employees and over 135 restaurants across the country. It also operates 17 Drive-Thru, 42 dessert kiosks, and 48 McCafe outlets.
In spite of the suspension, the fast-food chain assured that it would continue to pay the salaries of its employees, as reported by Mothership on 19 April.
“We are extremely grateful to all our employees for their hard work during these challenging times. We will continue to pay salaries to all employees whose roles are disrupted. The next two weeks will allow our employees to stay home and be rest assured that their jobs are secure,” McDonald’s Singapore noted.
Five employees of McDonald’s Singapore tested positive for COVID-19
On 12 April, McDonald’s Singapore confirmed that five of its employees tested positive for the COVID-19 disease.
It was reported that the five employees work at McDonald’s Lido, Forum Galleria, Parklane, and Geylang East Central outlets. All four of the restaurants have been deep-cleaned and closed for business until further notice.
While the five employees have since been quarantined in medical facilities and are being monitored by medical personnel, other employees who worked at the affected branches were informed to isolate themselves with a 14-day leave of absence.
“This is a precautionary measure that the company has undertaken for the safety of all employees, regardless of whether they had come into contact with the affected persons; and their daily temperatures and health condition will be closely monitored,” said McDonald’s Singapore.
