The operators of U.S. fast-food and coffee chains are limiting services to takeout and delivery across the country as the coronavirus outbreak continues to expand.
McDonald's Corp. said Monday it is closing the dining areas and self-service beverage kiosks for all company-owned restaurants, and only offering products via takeout, drive-through and delivery. The hamburger chain is urging franchise outlets to follow suit.
American coffee chain operator Starbucks Corp. said Sunday it will provide drinks and food only for takeout in the United States and Canada, while shutting down outlets in shopping malls and on college campuses.
Starbucks says the measures will stay in place for at least two weeks.
[Getty/Kyodo]
The impacts of the coronavirus pandemic have been increasingly felt in daily life as some states and local authorities have declared a state of emergency and even implemented nighttime curfews.
On Monday, the governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut issued a joint statement ordering restaurants and bars to provide only takeout and delivery services.
"Our primary goal right now is to slow the spread of this virus so that the wave of new infections doesn't crash our healthcare system, and everyone agrees social distancing is the best way to do that," New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said, adding that the partnership between states will prevent people from crossing state lines to avoid regulations.
Meanwhile, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has said that a shelter-in-place order or a curfew could be issued for the city within the next 48 hours, local media reported.
According to U.S. media, there have been more than 5,000 confirmed coronavirus infections in the country, resulting in at least 100 deaths.