Bunnings and McDonald’s staff must now wear face masks

Staff across two of the biggest retail and food chains will now be required to wear face masks during their shifts.

Staff across two major retail chains in Melbourne are now required to wear face masks following multiple days of triple-digit increases of coronavirus cases in Victoria.

Bunnings and McDonald’s staff in lockdown suburbs in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire will be given the protective item to wear during their shifts.

Both chains made the health and safety decision following advice from the Victorian Government as the state continues to record a high number of coronavirus cases.

In the past 24 hours there have been 270 new cases, with 26 patients in intensive care — an increase of nine since yesterday. Of those, 21 are on ventilators.

“In line with recent advice from the Victorian Government and chief health officer, we are now recommending that all team members in our Melbourne Metropolitan and Mitchell Shire stores, distribution and trade centres, wear face masks,” Bunnings general manager of operations, Ryan Baker told 9 News.

“We’re offering team members new masks each shift and guidance on how to use them correctly.”

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Bunnings workers in Melbourne will be handed face masks before each shift. Picture: 9 News

Mr Baker said health and safety of staff was the number one priority as they continued to do their part to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community.

Meanwhile, as of yesterday McDonald’s employees working at restaurants in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire were told they also had to wear face masks.

“In line with the recommendation from the Victorian Government, and out of an abundance of caution, we now require employees to wear face masks during any shift at our restaurants in the Melbourne metropolitan and Mitchell Shire areas,” a McDonald’s spokesman told news.com.au.

“At these restaurants, in accordance with level three lockdown requirements, we are currently only offering contactless takeaway, drive-thru and McDelivery services.”

There are just over 190 restaurants in both those locations.

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McDonald’s employees working at restaurants in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire were told they also had to wear face masks.

The spokesman said McDonald’s staff must follow strict cleaning, sanitisation, quality control and hygiene procedures — this includes wearing mandated gloves.

There’s also antimicrobial hand wash for customers and employees.

“We have established social distancing throughout our restaurants, including the front counter, drive thru window and kitchen areas,” the spokesman said.

Staff at McDonald's restaurants in lockdown suburbs will now be required to wear face masks.

Andrew Gregory, CEO of McDonald's: "We have around 20,000 employees in that geographic area. Yesterday, all of our employees commenced wearing masks."

— 3AW Breakfast (@RossAndJohn) July 13, 2020

Premier Daniel Andrews has said masks were “not compulsory” in the community but advised people to wear them when they could not social distance.

“We’re requesting you wear them when you’re out for a lawful reason and you’re not confident you can maintain the social distance,” he said.

“Whether it be on public transport or down at the supermarket, buying only the things you need when you need them.”