Starbucks forced to halt use of personal cups at its stores because of coronavirus

as I stand before you. Today we have more than 100 Corona virus cases in the United States that is counting domestic cases and cases of Corona virus of Americans that were returned from China or the diamond of Princess. I'm pleased to report that most of those who contract it Corona virus within our care are continuing to recover. But sadly, we received word today that another American has passed away and their family has our deepest condolences. To be clear, if you are a healthy American, the risk of contracting the Corona virus remains love. But it is still a good idea to engage in common sense practices that that are always recommended this time of year is we've got hospitals in affected areas and those that are requesting that have kits. We've got universities and state labs that now can perform the test on a requested basis. But our objective, ultimately and quickly as possible, is to have tests made through these commercial laboratories and commercial providers that your local doctor, your your CVS, your med check is able to have a Corona virus test, and that isn't there yet. We're working to make that a reality, and we were pleased to learn that just shortly ago the House of Representatives passed a federal funding bill by a virtually unanimous margin will now move to the Senate. And the legislation implements the president's vision to ensure that not only do our federal agencies have the support resource is that they need, but also that our state and local partners have their support in my conversations with governors all the way through this afternoon. I know they're grateful for the bipartisan spirit that has characterized of this funding bill, and we'll continue to work through that process.

Environmentally conscious coffee lovers who bring their own mugs to buy fresh java at Starbucks won't be able to do so for a while.Starbucks on Wednesday announced it is temporarily suspending the use of personal cups and tumblers at its stores to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.EVP Rossann Williams said the company will continue to honor its 10-cent discount for anyone who brings in a personal cup or tumbler for coffee, even though customers can't use them."We are optimistic this will be a temporary situation," Williams said in an open letter posted on the company's website.Starbucks said it is also increasing the number of cleanings at all its company-operated stores and suspending business-related air travel, both domestic and international, for the rest of March, according to Williams.Large meetings at the company's offices in the United States and Canada are being postponed or modified, the company said."We will continue to communicate with transparency and act courageously and responsibly to ensure the health and well-being of our partners and customers," Williams said.Starbucks did not immediately respond to a request for comment on how long it is suspending the program. The Seattle-based coffee chain has given customers discounts for using their own cups for new purchases since 1985, according to the company's website.In 2010, Starbucks launched a campaign promoting the use of personal tumblers to reduce its paper trash output. The program has prevented millions of pounds of paper from ending up in landfills, the company said.

Environmentally conscious coffee lovers who bring their own mugs to buy fresh java at Starbucks won't be able to do so for a while.

Starbucks on Wednesday announced it is temporarily suspending the use of personal cups and tumblers at its stores to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

EVP Rossann Williams said the company will continue to honor its 10-cent discount for anyone who brings in a personal cup or tumbler for coffee, even though customers can't use them.

"We are optimistic this will be a temporary situation," Williams said in an posted on the company's website.

Starbucks said it is also increasing the number of cleanings at all its company-operated stores and suspending business-related air travel, both domestic and international, for the rest of March, according to Williams.

Large meetings at the company's offices in the United States and Canada are being postponed or modified, the company said.

"We will continue to communicate with transparency and act courageously and responsibly to ensure the health and well-being of our partners and customers," Williams said.

Starbucks did not immediately respond to a request for comment on how long it is suspending the program. The Seattle-based coffee chain has given customers discounts for using their own cups for new purchases since 1985, according to the .

In 2010, Starbucks launched a campaign promoting the use of personal tumblers to reduce its paper trash output. The program has prevented millions of pounds of paper from ending up in landfills, the company said.

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