You can now pick up groceries at the Macca's drive-thru

Today, McDonald's has announced it will be selling milk and bread alongside burgers and fries.

As a response to the coronavirus pandemic, where people are being encouraged to stay home as much as possible, and supermarkets are seeing shortages of grocery items, Macca's is doing its bit to help the local community.

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A spokesperson for McDonald's reassured 9Honey that this was not in fact an April Fool's joke, but a way for the fast food chain to continue to support local communities during these uncertain times.

"Macca's will now offer customers another way to access milk and bread, through its contactless drive-thrus and takeaway service, across the country," the spokesperson said in a statement.

"From Wednesday onwards, in addition to our usual Macca's menu, customers will also be able to pick-up two or three litre bottles of full cream or skim milk, as well as packs of English muffins and gourmet bread rolls."

McDonald's has implemented a contactless service, where customers place their order through an app. Their food is then prepared and bagged by a team member wearing gloves, and then placed on the counter or window ledge for them to pick up.

"Our contactless service removes any need for touch contact between our employees and customers, making it a safe way for people to get food and drinks, as well as these essential basics."

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All dining areas in McDonald's restaurants were closed last week, with food available only for pick-up or delivery.

The company's move into the grocery world is just one of many measures businesses across Australia are making in light of the coronavirus restrictions.

Bars in Sydney and Melbourne have begun delivering cocktails after being told to shut their doors last week. Meanwhile, fitness studios are streaming their classes online and musicians are doing concerts on social media.

If you can, now is a great time to be supporting local businesses and helping them stay afloat amid COVID-19 regulations.

Coronavirus: what you need to know

How is coronavirus transmitted?

The human coronavirus is only spread from someone infected with COVID-19 to another. This occurs through close contact with an infected person through contaminated droplets spread by coughing or sneezing, or by contact with contaminated hands or surfaces.

How can I protect myself and my family?

The World Health Organisation and NSW Health both recommend basic hygiene practices as the best way to protect yourself from coronavirus.

Good hygiene includes:

• Clean your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser;
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or your elbow;
• Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms;
• Apply safe food practices; and
• Stay home if you are sick.