New York (AFP)
The American fast-food giant McDonald's will force all customers entering its restaurants in the United States to wear a mask from August 1, imitating several large groups welcoming the public such as Walmart.
While cases of Covid-19 are currently exploding in parts of the country, "the latest scientific research suggests that postilions that remain in the air for a while increase the risk of the virus spreading, especially when coming from carriers asymptomatic ", justifies the company.
Nearly 82% of McDonald's brands are already located in areas requiring consumers to partially cover their faces in public establishments, but the group says it wants to protect "all" its employees and customers.
McDonald's does not specify whether customers will be required to wear the mask when seated in restaurants currently offering indoor dining.
Asked by AFP, the group does not specify the number of establishments that have reopened their tables to the public.
It simply indicates that it will continue, for another thirty days, not to authorize the re-opening of new rooms.
If customers refuse to wear a mask, McDonald's has procedures in place to serve them "politely and promptly."
The imposition of the wearing of masks in public establishments is gaining ground in the United States.
Since this week, the distribution giants Walmart and Kroger have been forcing customers who come to shop in the thousands of supermarkets they manage to cover their noses and mouths, following the examples of Apple or Starbucks.
All major airlines now also require the mask on their planes.
Wearing facial protection is advised by US health officials and President Donald Trump himself, after long reluctance, this week called on "everyone" to wear a mask when physical distancing was not possible.
© 2020 AFP