This week marked the beginning of Starbucks requiring employees to wear face masks, the coffee chain confirmed to the AJC.
Citing an statement, NPR reported that the Seattle-based chain has provided staff tutorials on how to make a personal non-medical facial covering with supplies on hand at Starbucks, should they not have their own.
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Beginning April 7, a Starbucks spokesperson told the AJC, “all partners will be required to wear facial coverings during their shifts.”
“Starbucks is continuing to take proactive steps to ensure the health and safety of our partners (employees). We know the science on COVID-19 and local mandates are changing rapidly, and want to ensure that Starbucks partners are ahead of protection guidelines,” a spokesperson said.
In a press release, Starbucks said it has started "exploring the possibility of making non-medical grade masks available for store partners." Previously, the company stressed it "will not source medical-grade masks because we know our health care workers and first responders need those most urgently."
The coffee spot is also providing thermometers to stores for workers who wish to monitor their temperature before they begin their shift.
“This is a completely voluntary step, and can be done as part of the Quick Connect wellness check before each shift,” Starbucks said in a press release earlier this month. “If a partner has a fever, they should go home and rest, supported with Catastrophe Pay.”
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Starbucks’ cafes remain temporarily shuttered while customers can get their caffeine fix through drive-through and delivery services.
In other efforts to help staff amid the coronavirus outbreak, Starbucks has also announced it will pay workers through May 3 — even if they choose to remain at home — via Catastrophe Pay. Employees who choose to continue working will be eligible for Starbucks Service Pay, which pays an extra $3 an hour for work through May 3. Hardship grants and childcare services are also offered.
» RELATED: Hit hard by coronavirus, restaurants still provide community support
The chain is not alone in supporting employees hit hard during the pandemic. Metro Atlanta restaurants have also done their part for employees despite facing financial loss. Japanese steakhouse Nakato and Empire State South are among the local eateries that have launched GoFundMe pages to support staff.
