Apple News: Tech Giant Closes Chinese Stores And Offices Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

Apple Inc. said Saturday that it is shutting down all stores and corporate offices across mainland China through Feb. 9, as the country grapples with the spread of the Coronavirus. The outbreak has killed at least 362 people and infected more than 17,300 individuals worldwide.

“Our thoughts are with the people most immediately affected by the Coronavirus and with those working around the clock to study and contain it. Out of an abundance of caution and based on the latest advice from health experts, we’re closing all of our corporate offices, stores and contact centers through February 9,” the company said in a statement.

Apple operates more than 40 stores across China and relies on the country for one-fifth of its total sales. Apple’s online store will remain open.

The virus is also affecting other tech companies. Google has also temporarily closed all of its offices in mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan due to the outbreak, and is asking for its employees to work from home. Video game company Nintendo has said that the outbreak has impacted the production of its popular Switch gaming console in China.

The Coronavirus originated at an animal and seafood market in the Chinese city of Wuhan, and has been declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization. Symptoms include fever, coughing and shortness of breath.

In order to contain the virus, the Chinese government has put 46 million people on lockdown. Major airlines have also suspended flights to mainland China to stop the outbreak.