Starbucks has announced that it will temporarily be taking on a "to go" model in all US and Canada stores.

On Sunday, March 15 Starbucks shared an announcement regarding additional steps it was implementing towards encouraging social distancing and containing the COVID-19 virus. That includes when and how customers are served.

“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,” wrote Rossann Williams, executive vice president and president, U.S. company-operated business and Canada.

In response, Starbucks -- including in St. Cloud and around Central Minnesota -- will temporarily change to a 'to go' model. This news precedes a similar announcement from Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey who enacted a local state of emergency (in Minneapolis) that limits access to the city's bars and restaurants, which will only be able to provide takeout, delivery and drive-thru services. As of Monday afternoon, March 16, no such law has gone into effect in St. Cloud or Central Minnesota, though some restaurants - including Jules Bistro in downtown St. Cloud -- have made their own decisions to close temporarily.

For more local COVID-19 virus-related news, watch our regularly updated news bulletin here.

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