McDonald’s, the American fast food company, said Monday it was temporarily closing all but five of its branches in Israel due to the spread of coronavirus.
McDonald’s Israel said the remaining five branches will operate in an emergency footing and will mostly supply food for hospitals, Magen David Adom and security forces, who help combat the COVID-19 outbreak.
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McDonald's restaurant in central Israel closed due to coronavirus crisis
(Photo: Raanan Ben Tzur)
This seems to be an unexpected decision, as only a day prior, the fast-food chain posted on Facebook that it will expand its restaurant layout and add takeout, drive-through and delivery options in additional branches starting March 23.
McDonald's listed dozens of its branches across the country and attached a humoristic instructions video on what to do when you're hungry in the age of the pandemic.
In the video, the narrator urged patrons not to enter any of the chain's restaurants but rather wait in front of them while maintaining a distance of at least two meters from each other at all times.
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McDonald's announcing suspension of commercial operations in Israel
(Photo: Screenshot)
McDonald's Israel claims the decision to shut down its branches was a philanthropic move intended to help fight the spread of the new virus.
The fast-food chain has put some 4,000 of its employees in Israel on unpaid leave.
This move may spread to more countries as McDonald's announced on Monday it will also close its branches in the UK and Ireland.