McDonald’s drive thru reopens as coronavirus testing centre for NHS workers

The fast-food chain announced a restaurant in Leicester will take on the new role following the closure of stores across the country.

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It has handed the premises over to private health company DHU Healthcare who will change the site into a testing centre.

McDonald’s, which closed its doors in March following the Covid-19 outbreak, has also been donating food and milk to key workers.

A McDonald’s spokesman said: “Exactly a month ago, McDonald’s across the UK closed for the first time ever as a precautionary measure due to Covid-19.

DRIVE-THRU CENTRE

“Despite restaurants remaining closed, employees and franchisees have continued serving their local communities and supporting national organisations, helping those that need it the most.

“In addition, this week McDonald’s handed over use of its Meridian Business Park Drive Thru in Leicester for use by DHU Healthcare for COVID-19 testing for NHS workers.”

FREE TESTING KITS

In South London, their restaurants provided 500 aprons and 7,500 gloves to Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH) Hospital who passed them on to local hospices and care homes.

It comes after the government announced healthcare staff can get access to free coronavirus testing kits.

However, home tests for key workers ran out this morning – as 5,000 kits were snapped up in two minutes before drive-through slots were also fully booked up.

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By 10am the government's website told hopefuls the applications for DIY kits were closed after a rush saw them run out just two hours after opening.

It launched at 8am this morning but by 8.30am only drive-through testing options were available, before those slots quickly filled up too.

The government has struggled to meet the 100,000 daily tests hoped for by the end of April, with only 5,000 tests on offer for key workers and their households today.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock claimed it was as easy as "booking a flight" but many got error messages as the website struggled to cope.

One person tweeted: "So frustrating, been trying to book my daughter Covid-19 test, as she key worker, its already closed. Craziness not simple at all, so stressful."

And another frustrated worker added: "I can’t book a test! I’m a key worker and I keep getting this message!!!!! @MattHancock why is this link not open? You said we could get tested from today!"

Mr Hancock announced last night testing would be expanded to millions of people so they can find out if they currently have Covid-19 – but only if they are showing symptoms.

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