McDonald’s two stores in Southport will close today.
The restaurants and drive-through takeaways at Ocean Plaza and on Scarisbrick New Road in Kew will shut by 7pm on Monday, March 23 at the latest due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
Last week the chain shut its sit down restaurants and instead operated as a drive-thru only takeaway facility.
But they have now decided to close completely, in order to protect both staff and customers.
McDonald’s said: “We have not taken this decision lightly, but one made with the wellbeing and safety of our employees in mind as well as in the best interests of our customers.
“We will work with local community groups to responsibly distribute food and drink from our restaurants in the coming days.
“Thank you to our brilliant employees for their hard work during this incredibly challenging time.
“We look forward to seeing you all again as soon as it is safe for us to reopen.”
The Entertainer on Chapel Street in Southport will shut from 5pm today (Monday).
A spokesman said: “The whole store is on buy one get one free but we are asking that the customers that do come in today to keep the social distance rule and pay with card where possible.”
Primark said that it will close its shop on Chapel Street in Southport until further notice amid the crisis.
It follows the closure of scores of restaurants, pubs and cafes across Southport on Friday.
Costa Coffee also joined in closing its UK branches, with more than 2,000 to shut by the end of Monday.
Ainsdale Fine Chocolates said: “So sad to say that we are closing until further notice. Even as just retail we are putting ourselves and customers at risk. It is the right thing to do. Existing orders will be delivered please contact me on info@rsfinechocolate.com to arrange.”
To all our customers and friends, we have decided that today we will be closing our doors until further notice. We are very sad to do this but feel it is the right thing to do in order to keep us all safe. I will check in every few days and update you all. Be safe and take care.
— Broadhursts Bookshop (@BroadhurstBooks) March 23, 2020
Nando’s, which has a unit at Ocean Plaza, is also closing stores.
In a tweet posted on Sunday night, Nando’s said its bosses had “decided that the best course of action right now is to temporarily close our restaurants”.
It said the health and safety of its customers and staff was its “highest priority”.
Nando’s has about 20,000 staff in Britain.
Lots of love, Nando’s ❤ pic.twitter.com/OxIGVeU4S5
— Nando's (@NandosUK) March 22, 2020
Caffe Nero said: “It is with a heavy heart that we have taken the decision to temporarily close all Caffè Nero stores by the evening of Wednesday 25th March until further notice.
“We have, over the last 22 years, dedicated ourselves to serve our local communities, but in the face of this unprecedented challenge, it is our belief that we have to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our baristas, customers and communities, and as such we must close our doors.
“Customers can of course still buy our coffee online to make at home and we will review our delivery and take-away service when possible. We very much look forward to welcoming back our loyal customers when it is safe to do so.”
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