Arab News Japan

Starbucks has closed its 850 stores across Japan April 9 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Die-hard customers of the mainstream international coffee chain stood in lines the day before it shut down to get their last caffeine fix.

Starbucks took the decision to close down its stores in order to protect the safety of its staff members and customers.

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Now that the coffee shops have shut down, long lines of customers have vanished aside from the occasional passerby.

The long lines the day before Starbucks shut down caused a social media frenzy, with many confused as to why people were standing in a crowded line during a virus outbreak.

https://twitter.com/iiiikasu/status/1248084396931866625?s=20

After a state of emergency was declared in Japan April 7, the streets of various prefectures, which were once bustling, are now quiet as the Japanese government recommends people stay at home.

The state of emergency is expected to last for a month, until May.