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Apple is closing all stores outside Greater China until March 27 in response to the coronavirus pandemic.<\/p>\nApple is closing all stores outside Greater China until March 27 in response to the coronavirus pandemic.<\/p>\n
The firm said the most effective way to minimize risk of the virus\u2019s transmission is to \u201creduce density and maximize social distance\u201d.<\/p>\n
It comes after the technology giant cancelled the in-person aspects of its annual developer conference in response to the outbreak.<\/p>\n
The Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) had been due to take place in San Jose, California, in June, but will move to an \u201conline format\u201d instead of several days of public gatherings.<\/p>\n
Apple chief executive Tim Cook tweeted: \u201cIn our workplaces and communities, we must do all we can to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Apple will be temporarily closing all stores outside of Greater China until March 27 and committing $15M to help with worldwide recovery.\u201d<\/p>\n
In a statement, Apple said: \u201cAs rates of new infections continue to grow in other places, we\u2019re taking additional steps to protect our team members and customers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will be closing all of our retail stores outside of Greater China until March 27. We are committed to providing exceptional service to our customers.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn all of our offices, we are moving to flexible work arrangements worldwide outside of Greater China.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat means team members should work remotely if their job allows, and those whose work requires them to be on site should follow guidance to maximize interpersonal space.<\/p>\n
\u201cExtensive deep cleaning will continue at all sites. In all our offices, we are rolling out new health screenings and temperature checks.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll of our hourly workers will continue to receive pay in alignment with business-as-usual operations.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have expanded our leave policies to accommodate personal or family health circumstances created by Covid-19 \u2014 including recovering from an illness, caring for a sick loved one, mandatory quarantining, or childcare challenges due to school closures.\u201d<\/p>\n
Apple stores in Greater China reopened on Saturday.<\/p>\n
Earlier in the week, a worker at Apple Computer’s European headquarters in Cork has tested positive for coronavirus.<\/p>\n
The worker was tested for the virus after leaving the office as soon as they felt unwell last week.<\/p>\n
In an email to workers, the company said they are working closely with the HSE who have reviewed the case and believe the risk to other employees is low but some fellow Apple workers have been told to self-isolate as a precaution.<\/p>\n