Apple will close all its stores worldwide –except those in greater China — until March 27, CEO Tim Cook said in a tweet today. The company has also committed $15 million to help with the global coronavirus outbreak. All of Apple’s stores in greater China have reopened after being closed for much of the past two months, while the region grappled with the coronavirus outbreak.
Apple employees worldwide will begin to work remotely where possible, while all sites will undergo deep cleaning and health screenings. Hourly workers will continue to be paid.
Customers can still shop on the Apple website, or get customer support online. Apple’s donations, totaling $15 million, have been directed to medical response for patients, and to help lessen the economic impact of the pandemic, the statement said.