'Huge' queues form as Preston KFC reopens unexpectedly

Large queues have reportedly formed due to the unexpected reopening of a Preston KFC drive-thru this afternoon (May 5).

Drivers ready for their fried chicken-fix flocked to the fast food branch on Port Way, near the Docks, despite warnings by the chain to not all 'rush at once'.

The chain announced it would be opening 55 drive thru facilities across the UK today, but did not list any Preston stores.

KFC is now allegedly preparing a revised statement for publication.

A spokesperson for KFC said: "We’ve been working hard to responsibly reopen our restaurants and now we’re spreading our wings a little further.

"In line with government advice, we’ve decided to open the drive-thru lanes at 55 of our UK restaurants that are already open for delivery."

However, KFC is urging customers to continue to order online still if they can.

They continued: "We know it’s tempting, but please, please don’t all rush at once! Delivery remains the best way to get your fried chicken fix – we just want to offer a little more choice to those who are already on the road for essential journeys or on their way home from difficult shifts."

The chain had decided to temporarily close as the coronavirus lockdown took effect on on March 23.

Now, the reopened drive-thrus will follow 'stringent new social distancing and safety procedures' – which include:

- Smaller kitchen team to help observe social distancing, with separation of guests and delivery drivers

- Increased hand washing and surface sanitising

- New signage and floor stickers to help delivery drivers keep a safe distance apart

- Contactless handover of food, with contactless payment preferred

- Introduction of a limited menu to help the smaller team avoid switching kitchen stations, with clear floor markings

- Installation of protective screens where appropriate, with non-medical grade face masks and gloves made available for our teams

- Team members signing a health declaration and completing a new coronavirus training programme before returning to work

- Shorter trading hours to allow for smaller kitchen teams

Some retailers have also started to open their doors to customers again including DIY stores such as Homebase and B&Q.

What is the government guidance?

You should only leave the house for very limited purposes:

- shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible.

- one form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household.

- any medical need, including to donate blood, avoid or escape risk of injury or harm, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person

- travelling for work purposes, but only where you cannot work from home