In response to COVID-19, Apple has closed almost all of its Apple Stores across the globe.
In a statement released over the weekend, the tech giant announced that all Apple Stores, outside of the Greater China region will close up shop until March 27.
“We must do all we can to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said CEO Tim Cook. “As rates of new infections continue to grow in other places, we’re taking additional steps to protect our team members and customers.”
These measures include closing down the hundreds of physical locations worldwide, employing flexible work arrangements for office staff, and implementing health screenings for those who continue work on site.
While online stores and customer support will remain in operation, every store including the 22 locations across Australia will be closed, and extensively deep cleaned to minimise the risk of the coronavirus spread.
Stores in China are exempt, reopening on Saturday as the nation successfully slows down the spread of the virus.
All Apple offices will also make the move to flexible work arrangements, with 123,000 full time employees being encouraged to work remotely where possible.
This bold move is the next step in risk reduction for Apple, after a range of cancelled events and appearances on a global scale.
An event in March was cancelled, where the new iPhone 9 and the next generation iPad were tipped to be announced. According to a report from Cult of Mac, the event was postponed due to a mass gathering ban, but the global supply chain may have impacted this decision as well.
The company also shifted its appearance at the Worldwide Developer Conference to an ‘online-only’ format.
Apple store employees will continue to be paid as usual over the fortnight closures, with additional leave policies being implemented for those affected by the virus.
Anula Wiwatowska
Offsite Editorial Lead | Instagram
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