Ubiquitous coffee-chain Starbucks said Friday it’s closing access to its cafes across the United States for “at least” two weeks, and reducing services to drive-thru and delivery only.
In a letter posted online, the company said there’d be “some exceptions… for those cafes serving in or around hospitals and healthcare centers in our efforts to serve first responders and health care workers.”
In addition, the company stated, it will pay its employees for the next 30 days even if they decide to stay home.
The decision comes after more than 35,000 Starbucks employees signed a petition demanding changes to daily operations amid the fast-spreading outbreak, The Hill reported.
Starbucks’ decision follows restaurants, bars and other shops around the countries that have closed, changed to take-out only or altered hours to address social distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
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