Fast-food chain giant McDonald's will reportedly be closing its restaurants in five major Chinese cities following the continued spread of the deadly Wuhan coronavirus. The company also stated that it would immediately be implementing new health protocols to protect its customers and employees from the epidemic.
On Friday, the company's stores in Wuhan, Wenzhou, Qianjiang, Xiantao, and Huanggang were temporarily closed. The cities where it closed its stores were the ones listed by the Chinese government as strict no-travel zones. According to McDonald's spokesperson Barry Sum, the company already closed restaurants across a total of 10 Chinese cities, mostly those located in Hubei province where the unknown strain of the coronavirus was first detected.
The spokesperson clarified that all other restaurants in other Chinese cities without travel restrictions are still open. This includes cities where public transportation is still available. Sum explained that the closures are aimed at ensuring the safety of the company's staff and its customers.
The McDonald's representative also stated that the company will be maintaining close communication with local authorities so that they can implement any new guidelines and policies that will help in preventing the virus from spreading. McDonald's is apparently committed to helping fight the epidemic.
In line with this goal, McDonald's will be imposing strict new standards in its still open stores across China. This will include constant monitoring of its employees for any signs of infection.
In a post on its Chinese social media accounts, McDonald's mentioned that all crew members will be required to undergo body temperature measuring upon arrival at work each day. The company has also established a comprehensive reporting, recording, and observation mechanism for its employees, particularly those who have traveled and those who are planning to travel.
McDonald's has also increased its supplies of disinfectants and masks, which workers will be required to use frequently. Workers have apparently been instructed to be extra cautious and to wash their hands consistently during their shifts. Stores have also been orders to increase their frequency of cleaning their facilities to prevent any health issues.
China is currently one of McDonald's largest growing markets. In its latest earnings call, the company had revealed that China was actually one of its best performing international markets.
As of Friday last week, the country's National Health Commission had confirmed more than 875 cases of infection. At least 26 people have died after having contracted the virus. Apart from McDonald's, other establishments have also announced temporary closures. Shanghai Disney Resort announced over the weekend that it would be closing its doors until the epidemic is placed under control.
