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All McDonald’s restaurants in the UK and Ireland will close by 7pm on Monday to protect the safety of its employees and customers amid the coronavirus crisis.

The fast-food company said it has taken the “difficult decision” in a statement posted to Twitter.

The company added that restaurants will close by that time "at the latest".

The decision comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson called for pubs, clubs and restaurants to shut on Friday.

Empty streets in UK after pubs and restaurants close 6 show all Empty streets in UK after pubs and restaurants close 1/6 An empty Westfield Stratford City Getty Images 2/6 The empty car park outside a cinema in Leicester, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered pubs, restaurants, leisure centres and gyms across the country to close PA 3/6 Westminster Bridge is quiet in London AFP via Getty Images 4/6 A pedestrian walks past a closed pub in New Cross, south London PA 5/6 Cyclists keep their distance in Richmond Park PA 6/6 A sparse Odeon cinema in Leicester after the Government ordered leisure facilities to close PA 1/6 An empty Westfield Stratford City Getty Images 2/6 The empty car park outside a cinema in Leicester, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered pubs, restaurants, leisure centres and gyms across the country to close PA 3/6 Westminster Bridge is quiet in London AFP via Getty Images 4/6 A pedestrian walks past a closed pub in New Cross, south London PA 5/6 Cyclists keep their distance in Richmond Park PA 6/6 A sparse Odeon cinema in Leicester after the Government ordered leisure facilities to close PA

“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.

“We will work with local community groups to responsibly distribute food and drink from our restaurants in the coming days.

“Thank you to our brilliant employees for their hard work during this incredibly challenging time.

“We look forward to seeing you all again as soon as it is safe for us to reopen.”