Traffic queues expected as McDonald’s Drive-Thrus in Portadown, Lurgan and Craigavon reopen

Having shut in March when the Lockdown restrictions were enacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the reopening of McDonald’s has been much anticipation.

The McDonald’s Drive-Thru at Rushmere Shopping Centre is set to reopen for customers at 11am this morning.

Also opening at 11am is the McDonald’s at Portadown’s Meadows Shopping Complex.

And the McDonald’s in Lurgan’s Edward St is also due to reopen at 11am.

Some reopenings were subject to the PSNI and local authority guidance.

With a smaller staff in kitchens, the firm has asked people to be patient while awaiting food, particularly when demand is high.

McDonald’s and its franchisees are working closely with local authorities and the police, and may determine that it is necessary to close Drive Thru lanes if queues cause disruption at busier sites or put employees or customers at risk.

To help create a safe experience for everyone, McDonald’s has introduced a number of changes to their restaurants, including:

Social distancing has been introduced in the kitchens and service areas to help create a safe working environment for restaurant teams.

Perspex screens at Drive Thru windows and employees wearing protective equipment, as well as Perspex screens and floor markings in specific areas in the restaurant and kitchen.

All McDonald’s employees will be asked to confirm they are fit and able to work and contactless thermometers will be used to take employee temperatures on arrival at work for every shift.

A spokesperson said: “Ensuring our delivery procedures with couriers are contactless for both our people and our customers Restaurants will return with smaller teams, offering a limited menu and operating reduced hours.”

Customers will be encouraged to cap spending at the Drive Thru and McDelivery at £25 per order, and customers are encouraged to pay by contactless payment methods,

For those visiting Drive Thrus, customers can browse the menu, order and pay ahead using the My McDonald’s App

“As employees and the business adapt to a new way of working, McDonald’s would like to thank customers for their continued support and patience.”

Meanwhile Rushmere Shopping Centre is planning the weekend events to welcome customers back to the Craigavon complex after months of restricted movement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The shopping centre is planning a drive-in family movie weekend later this month as part of a series of new initiatives to welcome customers safely back. Further details will be announced on its social media channels later this week.

Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots MLA has added his support to the reopening of McDonald’s Drive Thrus in NI.