‘Terrible’: Macca’s new logo cops backlash

As some people clearly struggle to practise social distancing, some of the world's most recognisable brands have stepped in to help.

McDonald's in Brazil has altered the company's famous golden arches to help raise awareness about the benefits of staying away from others throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

But the move, which shows the two halves of the famous "M" separated, hasn't impressed many.

"Shame on this idea and this agency. Shame on everyone turning this pandemic into an award brief," one said on Twitter.

"It's a terrible idea to put something out there that causes the whole world to facepalm. We're really not supposed to touch our faces," another wrote.

"Has showing solidarity ever made any sort of positive affect," someone else added.

A video explaining the rebrand, which was posted on the weekend and deleted this morning, was captioned with a message that roughly translated to "even a little more apart and together, let's get out of this stronger".

The move to pull apart the iconic golden arches was to convey the idea that we are "separated for a moment so that we can always be together", AdAge reported.

In Brazil and other virus-affected areas including Australia, the company has closed its dining rooms, instead only serving customers via drive-through, take-out and delivery services.

McDonald's Australia said on Facebook that "looking after customers, our team and the wider community is our priority, so in line with Government guidance, we're making a few changes".

A McDonald's spokesperson told Fox News: "As a brand that operates in nearly 120 countries, we share a collective responsibility to help our communities in times of need. Throughout the world, we are modifying operations to adhere to social distancing guidelines and increasing our already strong hygiene standards to protect restaurant crew and the public."

It's not clear if the new separated arches logo will be rolled out across the globe. News.com.au has contacted McDonald's Australia for comment.

McDonald's isn't the only major brand encouraging social distancing with its customers, with Coca Cola taking out a massive ad in Times Square that shows a change to its iconic logo.

The Coca-Cola script is normally connected letters, but now the image is of the letters spread apart, with the tagline saying "Staying apart is the best way to stay connected".

Ad Age shared an image of the billboard on Twitter, with a Coke spokesperson telling the publication it will only be seen in the popular NYC hotspot.

SOCIAL DISTANCING IN AUSTRALIA

Strict advice to maintain distance from others hasn't been followed by everyone in Australia, with many continuing to flout rules.
Despite the Federal Government introducing stricter measures and closing many non-essential services such as gyms, pubs and clubs, people are still ignoring the advice.

Dining areas are now closed, forcing many cafes and restaurants to become takeaway outlets.

KFC banned in-store dining last week and introduced a raft of safety measures after an employee contracted the deadly virus earlier this month, while Hungry Jacks introduced "zero-contact" ordering.

Continue the conversation @RebekahScanlan | rebekah.scanlan@news.com.au

Originally published as 'Terrible': Macca's new logo cops backlash