Apple Just Closed All Stores Outside Of China For Two Weeks
Apple is closing all stores outside of China for two weeks to stop the global spread of the coronavirus, its CEO Tim Cook announced late Friday night.
In a statement to the iPhone maker’s website, Cook wrote that in order to minimize the risk of the virus’ transmission, his company would do its part to reduce density and maximize social distancing by closing its stores outside of China until March 27. The move comes after Apple closed stores in the Greater China region — which encompasses China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong — at the beginning of February. Those stores have now all reopened, according to the company.
“There is no mistaking the challenge of this moment,” Cook wrote. “The entire Apple family is indebted to the heroic first responders, doctors, nurses, researchers, public health experts and public servants globally who have given every ounce of their spirit to help the world meet this moment. We do not yet know with certainty when the greatest risk will be behind us.”
Beyond China, Apple had already begun to close stores in specific countries including Italy and Spain, two of the European nations hardest hit by COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Cook noted that his decision on Friday night was made to protect its retail employees and customers.
Earlier Friday, TechCrunch reported that an Apple Store employee in Santa Monica, California had tested positive for COVID-19. That employee had reportedly been on leave since March 2.
Apple is closing all stores outside of China for two weeks to stop the global spread of the coronavirus, its CEO Tim Cook announced late Friday night. In a statement to the iPhone maker’s website, Cook wrote that in order to minimize the risk of the virus’ transmission, his company…
