MANY fish and chip shops across the city have reopened amid the coronavirus pandemic.

We understand that St John's Fish Bar, Golden Gourmet and Lowesmoor Fish Bar are among take aways now providing food.

St John’s Fish Bar on Lambert Road has taken steps to keep staff and customers safe.

Customers can order their chips in advance and collect them at the door - payment is contactless by card.

Owner Nicos Zipiti said: “We have a screen up and hand sanitizer for everyone to use.

“Feedback has been good - I think people are happy they don’t have to cook anymore!”

Worcester City Council cllr Richard Udall said: “The owners of this shop have gone the extra distance to continue to serve their many loyal customers.

“People have missed their takeaways and have been craving fish and chips, this is Britain’s national dish, they are serving a local need and demand.

“For many people, including myself, fish and chips are a rare treat, we all deserve a treat now and again and after the misery of the lockdown they are something many people have been looking forward to.”

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Golden Gourmet on the Upper Tything reopened on Monday.

A spokesman said: “Being closed for five weeks was tough and I’m glad to be open again.

“We’ve got screens in the shop protecting everyone, hand sanitizer bottles and we are wiping all contact surfaces down every half an hour.

“Only three customers are allowed in the shop at any one time and we are working with Just Eat to get food delivered as much as possible to reduce risk.”

Lowesmoor Fish Bar is only offering home deliveries with drops offs being made by Just Eat drivers.

National fast food outlets are due to reopen in the coming weeks.

The boss of McDonald's, Paul Pomroy, has confirmed the company will start to reopen restaurants across the UK, including Worcester, from May 13 and are running "controlled tests to explore the safest way to reopen restaurants."

He added: "We understand everyone has been affected by this global crisis differently and therefore when it comes to returning to work, our people will be encouraged to make the right decision, based on their personal circumstances."