The dine in service has closed at KFC restaurants in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

​KFC is closing its dine-in meal service due to the coronavirus outbreak.

And it appears its Restaurant Brands stablemates Taco Bell, Carl's Jr. and Pizza Hut have followed suit.

"Following yesterday's government announcement we have decided to make a few changes," KFC's Facebook page stated on Sunday.

"The biggest is that we've temporarily closed our dining room seating."

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KFC would keep its restaurants open for takeaway, drive-thru and delivery as long as it was safe to do so, it said.

On Saturday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the introduction of a four-level Covid-19 alert system.

New Zealand is currently at level two which means people over 70 years of age have been advised to stay at home and avoid unnecessary social interaction.

Carl's Jr. NZ Facebook page said it had temporarily closed its dining room seating.

Fellow Restaurant Brands chain Pizza Hut tried to put a positive spin on things and said it was introducing contactless delivery to make it easier for customers to "practice social distancing".

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announces the coronavirus alert system. First published, March 22.

Taco Bell said it was closing its dining room seating to "protect the well-being of its customers and team members".

"Also, in line with government guidelines we will be recording all customers' names and time of your visit. Thank you for your continued support."

The dine-in service at McDonalds remained open.