McDonald’s hit with Covid outbreak as SIX workers at one restaurant test positive – and it stays OPEN

A MCDONALD'S branch has been hit with a Covid-19 outbreak as at least six members of staff tested positive.

The workers of the fast-food joint at Fort Kinnaird, Edinburgh have been asked to self-isolate but the restaurant remains open.

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The outbreak began when last week a worker tested positive for Covid-19.

Six more staff followed with more being supervised as close contacts reports Edinburgh Live.

A member of staff told the outlet they felt workers were not being protected properly by management.

Senior management told staff in an e-mail: "We are confident that the measures and approach that we are taking with employees is the right one given the specific circumstances.

"However, we wanted to let you know....and reiterate that you should continue to monitor your wellbeing as this is incredibly important to us.

"You should continue to follow all social distancing guidelines inside and outside of work."

A McDonald’s spokesperson, said: "Six employees at our Fort Kinnaird restaurant have tested positive for COVID-19 and are self-isolating.

"As soon as we were informed, the restaurant was given an enhanced clean as a precaution and will be followed by a deep clean by an external cleaning company this evening.

"We have contacted all restaurant employees, as well as Public Health Scotland.

"We have a number of safety measures in place to help keep our people safe, including perspex screens, temperature checks at the start of each shift, maintaining a two-metre distance from others as much as possible, face coverings, regular hand washing and the use of hand sanitiser," adding that any employee that displays Covid-19 symptoms will be asked to remain at home and take a test.

It comes as the fast-food giant announced it will recruit 20,000 staff and open 50 new restaurants later this year.

McDonald's is planning to set up new franchises in locations across the country over the next 12 months.

It has said the additions were not to replace the jobs lost through the pandemic, and were rather to prepare for the additional restaurants.