The new measures involve preventing customers from gathering in its cafes and closing some Starbucks stores. Credit: Starbucks Corporation.

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Starbucks has implemented a ‘to go’ model across the US and Canada as the government and other communities have called for increased social distancing to contain Covid-19.

The model involves preventing customers from gathering in its cafes across the US and Canada for a minimum of two weeks. It prohibits the use of seating area inside the cafes and on patios.

The coffeehouse chain will keep Order and Pay, Drive Thru and Delivery services open.

Starbucks EVP and president of the US and Canada-operated businesses Rossann Williams announced the decision in an open letter to the stakeholders.

The letter added that the measures were implemented based on the experience in China, where Starbucks had to close the majority of its outlets due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Williams said: “Every community’s needs are incredibly different and we are prepared to adjust as needed.

“We want to make sure we play a constructive role by taking responsible actions in partnership with the CDC and local public health authorities, so we can continue to do what is right for our partners and customers.”

In addition, the company decided to temporarily close company-operated stores in high social gathering locations.

It will also cut working hours or close its locations in Seattle and New York, where some cases of the Covid-19 cases were reported.

The introduction of ‘to go’ model is the last in the series of Starbucks initiatives to contain the spread of Covid-19.

Two weeks ago, the coffeehouse chain issued directives to increase the frequency of cleaning and sanitisation processes across its stores and suspend the use of personal and staying-in cups.