The year of our lord 2020 is going to be a doozy, that’s for sure, and the phrase of the spring will almost certainly be “social distancing”.
That’s thanks to a novel and deadly strain of coronavirus known as COVID-19 that is currently tearing across the United States and, to a larger degree, the entire planet. The CDC and other medical authorities have all stated that “social distancing” will be the key to crippling COVID-19 before it cripples us.
This means, unfortunately, that restaurants, bars, and concerts are all going to be forced to adapt for up to several weeks.
Starbucks is getting out ahead of the curve.
Starbucks is moving to a “to-go” model for all its stores in the U.S. and Canada for at least two weeks, and closing other stories, over concerns about the new coronavirus.
“As we all know, the situation with COVID-19 is extremely dynamic and we will continue to review the facts and science and make the proactive decisions necessary to protect our partners, customers and communities,” Rossann Williams, the executive vice president and president of U.S. company-operated business and Canada for Starbucks, wrote in a letter to all U.S. partners.
The Seattle-based coffee giant announced Sunday it’s closing seating in its cafes and patio areas, but customers can still order at the counter, at drive-throughs or on the Starbucks app.
Starbucks have also allowed employees to use up to two full weeks of “catastrophe pay” if need be, and have instructed any potentially ill workers to remain at home.
