McDonald's to require masks at all U.S. restaurant locations

McDonald's says it will be requiring customers to wear face coverings when entering its U.S. restaurants as number of new virus cases continues to surge in many states.

move, anunced Friday, will be in effect on Aug. 1.

McDonald's Corp. joins a pare of companies issuing mask mandates for its customers in last week or so and includes Walmart, Target, and Kohl's. Starbucks also recently issued a mask mandate for customers who visit its company-owned café locations in U.S.

McDonald's, based in Oak Brook, Illiis, said that 82% of its restaurants are in states or localities that require facial coverings for both crew and customers. But it said it is “important we protect safety of all employees and customers, " according to a joint statement from McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger and Mark Salebra, chair of National Franchise Leership Alliance.

iconic fast food chain also said that in cases where customers decline to wear masks, it will “put in place ditional procedures to take care of m in a friendly, expedited way.”

McDonald's said it will delay re-opening of its dining rooms for ar 30 days. It is also ding protective panels in back and front of restaurant to help with social distancing.