Apple closes all retail stores outside China due to COVID-19 outbreak

Apple announced it will close all its retail stores outside Greater China until March 27th due to the coronavirus outbreak.

“The most effective way to minimize risk of the virus’s transmission is to reduce density and maximize social distance,” Apple CEO, Tim Cook, said in a statement late Friday.

Cook said its online stores will remain open, as well as the Apple Store app.

Workers will continue to receive pay in alignment with business as usual operations, according to the post.

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All Apple stores in Greater China have reopened as of Friday. The company began closing stores there as the virus spread. Cook also provided details about the company’s flexible work remote arrangements, deep cleaning procedures and new temperature and health checks.