Drivers left to hit the drive-thru as restaurant chains close amid Coronavirus outbreak

UPDATE 23 March: McDonald's has now announced it will close all branches, including drive-thru and takeaway, from 7pm today.

Zizzi and ASK Italian will shut up shop entirely for the time being, while Byron and Pho will move to delivery only.

McDonald’s UK and Ireland boss Paul Pomroy said: “The wellbeing of our employees, customers and suppliers remains of the greatest importance to us and these changes are designed with you all in mind.

"We have not taken this decision lightly and will continue to review this over the coming days."

The restaurant’s much-loved Monopoly promotion will also be delayed as bosses are concerned about how customers will claim their prizes.

Mr. Pomroy said: "This year's prizes include a number of luxury holidays, European city breaks and cruises which will have all been impacted by current and ongoing restrictions on international travel.

"Following conversations with our suppliers and prize partners, we feel it is appropriate to delay the promotion until later this year.

"I apologise for any disappointment caused by this update and I look forward to Monopoly returning to our restaurants as soon as possible."

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Whilst it’s news from the big restaurant brands that have been hitting the headlines recently, it’s more important than ever for drivers to also support their local independant shops and eateries.

If you’re able to and not in self-isolation, make sure you get out and pick up food and supplies from smaller establishments. Like McDonald's, many of them have resorted to collection or delivery only, and they will need your support now more than ever.

After this outbreak dies down, it’s very possible that they might not be able to carry on operating, whilst the bigger restaurants will probably go back to business as usual.

The affects of Covid-19 will hit motorists even further this week as the DVSA announced it has postponed all driving tests from Thursday, 19th March and Friday, 20th March.

Northern Ireland, which operates a separate testing system, has announced it is suspending all tests from today (Friday 20th March).

Has a local restaurant near you gone delivery only? Perhaps you’re in the service industry yourself and have experienced changes as the outbreak has ramped up? Let us know in the comments.