Updated on 25 March 2020 at 09:29

Eat Out has confirmed an announcement by the Department of Tourism that lays out what the lockdown will mean for restaurant and other food services.

The letter, dated 24 March 2020, states: “In compliance with the nation-wide lockdown it should be noted that ALL restaurants, cafes, bars and coffee shops will be required to comply with the nation-wide lockdown for 21 days.”

“Such service providers have NOT been included on the list of what has been deemed essential services during the lockdown, will NOT be permitted to operate, and will thus need to be closed for the duration.”

“In addition, in compliance with the nation-wide lockdown, ALL food delivery services will also need to be suspended for 21 days…”

The lockdown is set to begin at 23:59 on Thursday night, with day 1 being Friday, 27 March 2020.

Read the full announcement here.

Updated on 23 March 2020

Now more than ever it’s time to support small local eateries in any way possible – but for some, that’s not always practical. Chain restaurants can be more accessible for a variety of reasons – anything from how easy it is to get to or to afford (or a late-night McFlurry craving) – so we’ve drawn up a guide to make sure you’re informed on what they’re doing in this pandemic.

Internationally, many have closed or stopped allowing sit-down service. For your peace of mind, we’ve created a guide of all the additional measures national chain restaurants are implementing to prevent COVID-19. We’ll also keep it updated with which ones are still operational (both dining rooms and takeaway service), which have changes in their trading hours, and which are running special promotions (like free delivery!) to ensure your safety.

As of 23 March, no national chain restaurants have temporarily closed their doors or dining rooms. (One branch of Doppio Zero has temporarily closed. See more below.) However, this may change. We’ll keep this list updated to reflect that.

Please note: Because of the new trading hour restrictions that came into effect on 18 March, many restaurants have had to change or will change their trading hours as the situation develops. It’s best to call ahead and find out if they’re open. The Disaster Management Act has also been amended to prohibit more than 50 people in any establishment at one time.

UPDATED: 23 March 2020

Burger King: Additional cleaning of all customer touchpoints.

Casa Bella: Dining rooms open. A dedicated call-and-collect takeaway service. Staff trained on WHO standards. Sanitation stations. Staff members are screened for temperature and signs of illness. Menus and furniture sanitised after every sitting.

Col’Cacchio: No alcohol served after 5.30pm or after 1pm on Sundays. A dedicated call-and-collect takeaway service. Furniture regularly sanitised. Staff sanitise their hands every 20 minutes.

Debonairs Pizza: Dining rooms open. Frequent hand-washing and sanitation of tables, condiment containers, menus etc. More regular bathroom deep-cleaning.

Doppio Zero: One branch (Nelspruit) temporarily closed. No alcohol served after 6pm or after 1pm on Sundays. All persons entering the premises must complete a register. Staff trained on WHO standards.

Hudsons: Dining rooms open. 10% off collection orders (food delivered to car window). No alcohol served after 5.30pm or after 1pm on Sundays. Hand sanitiser on every table. Increased frequency and intensity of cleaning all shop surfaces. Trading hours remain the same, but alcohol will only be served during the specified hours. No corkage.

Hussar Grill: Dining rooms open. A dedicated call-and-collect takeaway service. Staff trained on WHO standards. Sanitation stations. Staff members are screened for temperature and signs of illness. Menus and furniture sanitised after every sitting.

John Dory’s: Dining rooms open. No alcohol served after 5pm or after 12pm on Sundays. A dedicated call-and-collect takeaway service. All kids’ play areas closed. Staff trained on WHO standards. Sanitation stations. Staff members are screened for temperature and signs of illness. Menus and furniture sanitised after every sitting.

Kauai: Dining rooms open. All staff who prepare food wear gloves. Hands and surfaces sanitised every 30 minutes. There’s a pause on reusable cups, but the attached discount will still apply.

Knead: Dining rooms open. All furniture and surfaces are sanitised after each customer. Bill folders, menus, card machines and condiments are sanitised after every use.

KFC: Dining rooms open. Free Uber Eats and Mr D delivery. All counters, door handles and surfaces sanitised every 30 minutes.

McDonald’s: Dining rooms open. Contactless delivery with step-by-step instructions. Staff and crew sanitise their hands every 30 minutes.

Mugg & Bean: Dining rooms open. Frequent handwashing and sanitation of tables, condiment containers, menus etc. More regular bathroom deep-cleaning.

Nando’s: Dining rooms open. Staff trained on WHO standards. Hand-wash basins and soap provided to diners. Increased sanitisation of equipment, utensils and working surfaces. Frequent hand sanitisation of staff.

Ocean Basket: Dining rooms open. No alcohol served and no BYO allowed. Reduced trading hours to allow for a single shift (12pm to 8pm). Menus, salt shakers, table talkers, condiments and furniture sanitised after every sitting. Only 20 tables per store, with a 1,5m distance between each.

Pizza Hut: Increased frequency of cleaning and sanitising. Sanitisation of high-touch areas.

PRIMI: Dining rooms open. Offering 20% off all collection orders. Alcohol served between 12pm and 6pm Mondays to Fridays (no alcohol on Saturdays and Sundays). Limited seating. Staff trained on WHO standards. Hand sanitiser provided. Staff stay 1,5m from customers. Regularly sanitising high-touch surfaces.

Rocomamas: Dining rooms open. No alcohol served after 5pm or after 12pm on Sundays. A dedicated call-and-collect takeaway service. Staff trained on WHO standards. Sanitation stations. Staff members screened for temperature and signs of illness. Menus and furniture sanitised after every sitting.

Simply Asia: Dining rooms open. Free Uber Eats and Mr D delivery. Hand sanitiser available to customers and staff.

Spur: Dining rooms open. A dedicated call-and-collect takeaway service. Staff trained on WHO standards. Sanitation stations. Staff members screened for temperature and signs of illness.

Steers: Frequent handwashing and sanitation of tables, condiment containers, menus etc. More regular bathroom deep-cleaning.

Tiger’s Milk: Open Mondays to Sundays 12pm to 10pm. No alcohol served after 6pm or after 1pm on Sundays. All staff briefed on WHO standards. Regularly sanitise hands, menus, cutlery, crockery and speed points.

Wimpy: Dining rooms open. Frequent handwashing and sanitisation of tables, condiment containers, menus etc. More regular bathroom deep-cleaning.

We’ve included all national chain restaurants that have publicised information on their practices or responded to Eat Out for comment. Let us know in the comments section below if we’ve missed one!