All Apple stores closing in response to COVID-19 pandemic

 

In the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Apple has announced that it is closing down all of its stores for two weeks.

The closure, which applies to all Apple retail stores outside of Greater China, will last until Friday, March 27.

“I want to thank our extraordinary retail teams for their dedication to enriching our customers’ lives. We are all so grateful to you,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook in a recent statement.

The company says it is giving back to the relief effort and has reached $15 million worldwide in committed donations to the global COVID-19 response, both to help treat those who are sick and to help lessen the economic and community impacts of the pandemic.

The company is also moving to more flexible work arrangements worldwide in response to the pandemic, allowing some Apple employees to work remotely if their job allows, and requiring those still working on site to follow guidance to maximize interpersonal space.

“We know our users depend on Apple products all the time, and especially in times like these. We're bringing the same creativity and passion to meeting this challenge that we do in everything else we undertake,” said Cook.

To read Apple’s full response to the COVID-19 outbreak, click here.