McDonald’s In Talks To Close Indoor Seating As Delta Variant Cases Surge

Published Sep 06, 2021
Consumer Goods & Trends
McDonald's

By John F. Heerdink, Jr.

Reportedly, McDonald’s Corporation (MCD) and some U.S. fast-food restaurants are closing indoor seating areas or limiting hours of operation because of the rapidly spreading Delta variant of COVID-19. Early 2020, McDonald’s Corp had temporarily closed indoor dining at nearly all U.S. locations but reopened 70% by July this year. As per reports, the burger giant was to open nearly 100% by Labor Day subject to any COVID-19 resurgence. However, McDonald’s instructed its franchisees on steps to re-close their dining rooms in areas where the highly contagious Delta variant is rapidly spreading.

“We’re monitoring the impact of the Delta variant closely and recently convened together with our franchisees to underscore existing safety protocols, reinforce our people first approach and provide updates on the rise in cases in the country,” stated McDonald’s Corp.

McDonald’s executives have advised franchisees to consider closing indoor dining in counties where COVID cases exceed 250 per 100,000 people on a rolling three-week average. However, no specific numbers are known as to how many locations have shut indoor seating or could soon do so.

Bill Byrd, president of PMTD Restaurants informed that PMTD Restaurants had to cut hours in a few of its nearly 40 KFC and Taco Bell restaurants in Alabama and Georgia as they were short-staffed after several employees became infected with COVID-19.

McDonald’s Corporation (MCD) is the leading global foodservice retailer with nearly 37,000 locations in over 100 countries. The Corporation operates and franchises McDonald’s restaurants in the US and across the globe with over 90% of its restaurants owned and operated by local, independent businessmen and women. To learn more about McDonald’s Corporation (MCD) and to track its progress please visit the Vista Partners McDonald’s Coverage Page.

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