Why coronavirus has changed the way you drink coffee
The way you drink your coffee is changing as cafes make alterations to their service in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Reusable coffee cups have been temporarily banned from Starbucks, McDonalds, Gloria Jeans and Caltex stores.
McDonald’s told Yahoo News Australia the safety of customers, people and the food and drinks they served was of the utmost importance.
“We have made the decision to suspend the use of reusable coffee cups at restaurants across the country at this time,” a spokesperson said.
Caltex followed suit, banning customer-owned cups from its cafe franchise, The Foodary, until further notice.
Social distancing and disposable cups
On March 4, American coffee chain Starbucks announced it would be pausing the use of personal cups in the location’s stores around the US.
Australian Starbucks locations followed in its footsteps on Wednesday, and also added changes to the way dine-in food and beverages will be served.
“All beverages and food will be served with disposable cups, plates and cutlery,” a Starbucks spokesperson told Yahoo News.
Gloria Jeans told Yahoo News they are making changes to the way they serve you coffee, also jumping on the disposable cup and crockery bandwagon.
“We’re only using disposable cups and crockery, rather than re-usable items, to help limit the potential spread for the viruses,” a Gloria Jeans spokesperson said.
The store is also keeping condiments and lids behind the counter, so that less hands are touching them.
“We have moved the coffee and condiments sections to ensure our in-store teams are completing coffee, food and other beverage orders behind the counter, rather than allowing the public to handle cup lids, sugar, stirrers, spoons or straws,” it said.
In store the chain is also limiting seating to promote social distancing for dine-in customers, and will provide hand sanitiser for customers to use.
How to keep reusable cups clean
While many cafes are still accepting reusable coffee cups, it’s important to make sure you keep your cup as hygienic as possible to protect yourself and the staff handling it.
“We are advising our customers to stick to the principles that inspired them to purchase and use a KeepCup. The consequences of the global waste crisis are also catastrophic,” a KeepCup spokesperson told Yahoo News.
To keep reusable cups clean, rinse them immediately after use and place in the top shelf of your dishwasher as the high temperatures used will kill most bacteria.
A thorough hand wash with warm soapy water will also keep your cup or mug clean, but make sure you dismantle all the parts of the lid and rinse well.
“As usual, only hand over a clean cup to your barista and keep hold of your lid,” a KeepCup spokesperson said
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