You'll have to get that Big Mac to go. McDonald's has closed the dining areas at its corporate-owned restaurants in the U.S. in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The fast food giant said it's ending indoor dining "to align with increasing regulations throughout the country." McDonald's will continue to serve customers via drive-through, takeout and delivery for the time being.
The closings only apply to restaurants the company owns, which is about 5% of McDonald's 14,000 U.S. locations. Although its independent franchisees aren't required to close their dining areas, McDonald's said it "strongly encourage[s]" them to take similar steps, and expects most of them will. McDonald's will, however, close its PlayPlaces at all U.S. locations.
The White House has issued new guidelines for Americans to help curb the virus' spread, including "avoid[ing] social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people" and "avoid[ing] eating or drinking at restaurants, bars, and food courts." Other businesses, like Dunkin', Chick-fil-A and Starbucks, have also closed their dining areas in response to the pandemic.
Contains footage from CNN.
