McDonald's Corp. said its restaurants, including franchise locations, will begin screening restaurant employees as a "precautionary" measure to ensure that workers are "feeling their best" at the beginning of each shift.
In an announcement made late Wednesday, the Chicago-based quick service chain said managers will ask employees a series of health-related questions before they start work. The questions are designed to ensure the employees are healthy before serving customers.
Questions include: Are you showing symptoms associated with COVID-19? Have you been diagnosed with COVID-19? Have you had close contact in the past 14 days with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19? Have you been told by a health care provider or public health official that you should self-quarantine due to potential COVID-19 exposure, or are you suspected of having COVID-19?
Employees who answer 'no' to all questions will begin their shift like they normally would, the company said. Those who answer 'yes' to any question will be sent home. Employees will not be allowed to return to the restaurant until they’ve received authorization from a medical professional.
“Implementing these extra precautionary measures is another way employees can feel good about where they work, and customers can trust their favorite McDonald’s menu items are being prepared by healthy crew members. This is one of the many ways McDonald’s is doing its part to help stop the spread of COVID-19 at this critical time,” Joe Erlinger, President of McDonald’s USA, said in a statement.
Mark Salebra, chair of the National Franchisee Leadership Alliance, said in a statement: "The health and safety of our restaurant employees is a top priority for franchisees across the McDonald’s System."
McDonald's and its franchisees operate nearly 14,000 restaurants in the U.S. A majority of the restaurants have remained open for delivery, carryout and drive-thru service. Last week, McDonald's said restaurants have trimmed the menu to make it easier on employees who continue to serve the public. The main cut includes temporarily eliminating all-day breakfast.
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