Starbucks Bans Reusable Cups to Stem Spread of Coronavirus
Starbucks has imposed a temporary ban on the use of reusable cups at its stores over concerns about ..
Starbucks has imposed a temporary ban on the use of reusable cups at its stores over concerns about contagion from the new coronavirus.
The Seattle-based coffee chain said in an open letter Wednesday that it was temporarily suspending the use of personal cups and containers at all its stores around the world to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19.
“We are pausing the use of personal cups and for here ware in our stores, wrote executive vice president Rossann Williams in the notice, adding the company was taking cues from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health authorities in formulating its response to the outbreak.
“We are optimistic this will be a temporary situation,” Williams said, adding, “We will continue to act thoughtfully and courageously despite the disruption and uncertainty COVID-19 brings to our daily lives.”
She said other measures Starbucks was taking to stem the spread of coronavirus include ramping up cleaning and sanitizing at all its stores “to help prevent the spread of all germs,” restricting business-related air travel, and postponing or “modifying” large company meetings.
Starbucks employees have also received new instructions on how to react to anyone who “may express theyve been impacted by the virus,” the note said.
On Friday, Williams announced in a separate letter that an employee at one of its Seattle locations tested positive for COVID-19, marking the first confirmed case of a Starbucks employee falling ill with the disease.
“Late last night, we learned one of our store partners at our 1st & University store in downtown Seattle was diagnosed with COVID-19 and is self-isolating at home for a period of time,” Williams said.
She added the store was closed immediately and sanitized.
“We quickly activated our protocols, immediately closing the store and initiating a deep clean overnight,” she said, adding that the company was following guidance from citRead More – Source
