Apple closing all retail stores outside of China due to coronavirus spread

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Tim Cook says all Apple retail stores will temporarily close starting today, other than those in Greater China, in an attempt to slow the transmission of COVID-19.

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The latest hit to the tech world is in the form of all Apple retail stores closing, except for those in Greater China. Apple CEO Tim Cook made the announcement on Saturday on the company’s website. 

In a statement, Cook said that the stores in Greater China, which is the area that includes mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, are reopening today, as the rate of COVID-19 infections have “dramatically declined” there. He said that the operations team and partners have learned best practices for a global response. 

SEE: Coronavirus having major effect on tech industry beyond supply chain delays (free PDF) (TechRepublic) 

“One of those lessons is that the most effective way to minimize risk of the virus’s transmission is to reduce density and maximize social distance. As rates of new infections continue to grow in other places, we’re taking additional steps to protect our team members and customers,” Cook said.

As a result, all Apple retail stores outside of Greater China will close until March 27. Customers can shop online at www.apple.com or via the Apple Store app. 

All Apple employees, except those in Greater China, will have flexible work options. “That means team members should work remotely if their job allows, and those whose work requires them to be on site should follow guidance to maximize interpersonal space. Extensive, deep cleaning will continue at all sites. In all our offices, we are rolling out new health screenings and temperature checks,” Cook said. 

“All of our hourly workers will continue to receive pay in alignment with business as usual operations. We have expanded our leave policies to accommodate personal or family health circumstances created by COVID-19 — including recovering from an illness, caring for a sick loved one, mandatory quarantining, or childcare challenges due to school closures,” Cook said.

This follows Friday’s announcement that Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June will be held in an online format this year. 

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American multinational technology company Apple store seen

The Apple store in Hong Kong on March 1, 2020. 

Image: Budrul Chukrut/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images