Photo inside a London Starbucks cafe. (Photo by Ruby Sweeney, X FM News)
Tim Hortons is one of several fast-food chains that has announced the restaurant will close its doors and operate through drive-thru and take-out delivery services where available.
The Canadian coffee giant made the announcement on Monday and will implement the changes on Tuesday. The chain says the changes are being made in an effort to contribute to social distancing.
“These measures will help us make a difference for the health and safety of the people we love, and the communities we live in and care deeply about, during this public health crisis.” Tim Hortons said in the statement.
Tim Hortons isn’t the only fast-food chain making dining room changes. McDonald’s Canada announced that they will only offer drive-thru, carry out, or McDelivery to customers. Starbucks Canada has decided to close some cafes as well.
While many fast-food restaurants are making changes due to on-going COVID-19 concerns, restaurants in London are being urged to shut down completely for a few weeks.
Dr. Chris Mackie, the chief medical officer of health and CEO of the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) has urged restaurants, bars and theatres to temporarily close.
As such, I am joining the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other public health leaders in Ontario in calling on all bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and theatres to temporarily close for at least two weeks starting ASAP.
— Dr. Chris Mackie (@Healthmac) March 16, 2020
London Mayor Ed Holder issued a statement on Twitter that said all businesses that fail to comply with the recommendation will be issued an order under Section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act.
The number of new coronavirus cases continues to grow across Canada. Public health officials urge people to stay/work from home if they can and to practice exceptional hand washing hygiene when going out in public.
