McDonald’s, Nando’s and Costa Coffee outlets across Norfolk are all set to close even for takeaway customers.

McDonald’s, whose closures also include delivery and drive thru, said it has taken the “difficult decision” to close all UK restaurants.

The decision comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson called for pubs, clubs and restaurants to shut on Friday, although he stressed they could continue with a takeaway service.

“This is not a decision we are taking lightly, but one made with the well-being and safety of our employees in mind as well as in the best interests of our customers,” McDonald’s said.

Paul Pomroy, chief executive of McDonald’s UK & Ireland, said: “Over the last 24 hours, it has become clear that maintaining safe social distancing whilst operating busy takeaway and Drive Thru restaurants is increasingly difficult.”

He added: We have not taken this decision lightly and know that our restaurants have been playing an important role in the community providing hundreds of thousands of free drinks to frontline health and social workers and emergency services personnel.”

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Nando’s and Costa Coffee have also said they will close all of their outlets in the UK amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The chicken chain said in a statement on its website that all 420 stores will shut “until further notice”, with takeaway and delivery services also suspended.

The company, which employs around 18,000 people, said it is working closely with its teams across the UK to “make sure that everybody affected is supported during the coming weeks”.

Similarly, Costa Coffee announced that it would temporarily close all cafes from Monday evening.

A statement posted on its Twitter account said it would try to keep cafes open in hospitals, with NHS staff to receive free coffee for the next two weeks.

The coffee chain said staff at closed stores will be paid their full average weekly pay over eight weeks.

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