McDonald's is to temporarily close all their restaurants in Ireland and the UK. In a statement, it said all its outlets will be shut by 7pm tomorrow.
The fast-food company said: "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 the best interests of our customers." It added it will work with the local community groups to distribute food and drink from their restaurants in the coming days.
Last year saw McDonald's open five new restaurants in Ireland, bringing the total number of outlets in the Republic of Ireland to 95.