With an abundance of fast-food restaurants in Moscow, some will be closing their lobbies to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Many restaurants are closing down seating areas but some are continuing to provide take-out and delivery, including McDonald’s, KFC, MOD Pizza and Sonic Drive-In.
“Effective tomorrow our store is going to be drive-thru only and we will be closing at midnight,” Jackie Ruvalcaba, a Moscow McDonalds employee said. “This is just to follow precaution. Hopefully, we will have our lobby up and running as soon as possible.”
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Moscow KFC is also taking these precautionary measures.
“As of midnight tonight our lobby is officially closed until further notice but our drive-thru is still open,” KFC employee Amanda Lawson said.
Even Moscow’s newest restaurant MOD Pizza will be adjusting its policies.
Mal Jordan, a shift lead, said MOD’s lobby is currently closed but customers can still walk-in and get their orders. MOD is asking people to not stay and eat, but rather take their food and go.
Sonic Drive-In’s lobby is closed but they are still offering drive-up and drive-thru services, Chris Jacobs, a manager said.
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Other restaurants in the area have not yet determined how they will handle the outbreak.
“To my understanding, we should be completely open,” a Wendy’s Shift Manager said. “I haven’t seen any reaction from corporate on that yet, but I wouldn’t be surprised.”
As of right now Arby’s is still trying to figure how to handle the situation, Tim Baldwin, assistant manager said.
Along with them, TacoTime and Zip’s Drive-In have not yet made decisions and their lobbies are still open.
Taco Bell could not be reached for comment.
Alex Brizee contributed to this article.
Paige Fiske can be reached at [email protected]