COVID-19 FAQs

Find detailed responses to questions on McDonald's COVID-19 response.

McDonald's is here to answer your questions surrounding COVID-19 and our operations during the current Coronavirus pandemic. Refer to our COVID-19 FAQ for how how we've remained committed to protecting the well-being of employees and customers while taking steps to best serve you.

Where can I get more information about this issue?

Information about COVID-19 can be found on the Center for Disease Control website.

Is it safe to eat McDonald's during coronavirus?

COVID-19 is not a foodborne illness according to the CDC’s frequently asked questions. While it may be possible to become infected if an object that has the virus on it comes in contact with a person's mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. Additionally, before preparing or eating food, it is important to always wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds for general food safety.

What is McDonald's doing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19?

The health and safety of restaurant employees and customers is a top priority. In addition to our standard sanitation procedures, as part of McDonald's response to coronavirus, our restaurant teams have:

  • Increased the frequency of cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfection of high-touchpoint surfaces,
  • Continued our high standards of promoting regular and thorough handwashing and reminding our crew members of our best practices for personal hygiene,
  • Where available, increased the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer as a supplement to frequent handwashing,
  • Trained our crew members of current social distancing procedures,
  • Implemented contactless operations,
  • Closed all PlayPlaces and seating areas in majority of dining rooms, and
  • Required any employee who is ill to stay home from work.

Additionally, we are providing scenario-based guidance to restaurant management on how to work through various COVID-19 related situations, and communicating health and safety guidance updates from federal health authorities. We will continue to evaluate all safety measures currently in place, and adjust accordingly as we remain focused on the health and safety of restaurant employees and you, our customers.

What are McDonald's hours during coronavirus? When will they go back to the hours I am used to?

In order to comply with state and local regulations, some restaurants have had to adjust their operating hours. We are committed to serving you your McDonald's favorites during these challenging times, and are closely monitoring additional restrictions as well as when they are able to be lifted.

Is McDonald's allowing employees to wear gloves or masks to curtail the spread of COVID-19?

The wearing of gloves by employees who are interacting with customers is now standard in all McDonald's US restaurants. Additionally, our supply chain has done an amazing job to secure over 100 million non-medical grade masks for restaurant employees thus far. Masks are arriving now to areas with the greatest need and more will follow – and while we wait for shipments to arrive across the country, we are strongly encouraging the use of DIY masks and face coverings.

We continue to review public health guidance to ensure that we have the right policies in place to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Why is my McDonald's Restaurant closed? When will it reopen?

While more than 99% of our restaurants are open, we continue to act in line with local regulations, which unfortunately does mean that restaurants in select locations may be operating on limited hours or may be closed temporarily in an effort to protect the health of our people and you, our customers. Up-to-date information about restaurant hours or dates of re-opening will be available through the McDonald's Global Mobile App.

Why is my McDonald's Drive-Thru only?

We are closely monitoring all local, state and federal regulations to provide customers with a contactless pickup experience. As a result of these regulations, some restaurants are only serving customers through the Drive-Thru, while others remain open for carry-out, as well as serving customers through the Drive-Thru, with Mobile Order and Pay on McDonald's Global Mobile App and with McDelivery®.

Why is the PlayPlace closed?

In compliance with state and local social-distancing requirements to help reduce the further spread of COVID-19, McDonald’s PlayPlaces are temporarily closed. We apologize for the inconvenience, but we’re still happy to serve you your favorite McDonald’s meal to enjoy to-go through the Drive-Thru, with Mobile Order and Pay on McDonald’s Global Mobile App and with McDelivery®.

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