Starbucks is switching to take out-only in Quebec and Ottawa amid surging coronavirus cases and new restrictions aiming to flatten the curve.

Health officials say the risk of transmission is low.

Some of the Canadian stores up for closure will be "repositioned," Starbucks said, which suggests they could either move to a new area or change format.

Staff will be required to wear a face covering and be reminded not to touch their eyes, nose or mouth.

Starbucks says some exceptions will be made for stores serving in or around hospitals and health care centres.

The letter also says some stores could move to only accepting mobile ordering for pickup or delivery through the Starbucks App or Uber Eats.

Customers who ask for in-store cups or bring in their own mugs will still get a 10-cent discount, but will be given single-use cups instead.