The year 2020 has gotten off on a really rocky start, that’s for sure, and the prase of the season will almost certainly be “social distancing.”
That’s thanks to the widespread and highly contagious and deadly strain of coronavirus known as COVID-19 that is tearing its way across the United States and the rest of the globe as I type these words. The CDC and other medical authorities assure the public that “social distancing” will be the key to stopping the COVID-19 in its tracks.
This, unfortunately, has caused many businesses such as restaurants, bars, and concerts to be forced to adapt for several more weeks to come.
Starbucks refuses to be left in the dust during these hard times and 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.
The major coffee chain will also allow its employees to use up to two full weeks of “catastrophe pay” if need be. They have even taken extra precautions by instructing any potentially ill workers to stay at home.
