Coronavirus Update: All Apple Retail Stores Outside China To Remain Closed Indefinitely

Keeping the coronavirus pandemic in mind, Apple has shut down all its retail stores outside China. The global spread of COVID-19 has resulted in Apple delaying its retail store opening date, which was March 27.

A note posted on Apple’s website has confirmed that the retail stores will remain closed indefinitely.

“Our retail stores are closed until further notice. We are committed to providing exceptional service to our customers. For purchases with fast and free delivery, shop here on apple.com or the Apple Store app.”

As coronavirus death toll passes 100, Apple’s decision to close the retail store is a move to avoid any spread of the virus. Earlier, on Monday, the Trump administration asked Americans not to collect in a group of more than 10 people at a time due to coronavirus spread.

On Friday, March 13, Apple stated it was shutting down all retail stores outside China until March 27. However, now, the closure is extended and it remains unclear when the store will resume operation.

Apple CEO Tim Cook wrote in a recent blog post that social distancing is crucial to minimize any risk of coronavirus transmission.

“One of those lessons is that the most effective way to minimize the risk of the virus’s transmission is to reduce density and maximize social distance. As rates of new infections continue to grow in other places, we’re taking additional steps to protect our team members and customers,” Cook wrote in the post.

According to John Hopkins University, coronavirus has killed nearly 8000 people across the world with 197,139 confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Meanwhile, In the wake of coronavirus pandemic, the companies have urged their employees to work remotely if they can. Apple has shared a list of apps that can help users opting for the work-from-home arrangement.

The list includes apps like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Cisco Webex Meetings, Crew Messaging, and Scheduling, RingCentral, Twist, join.me – Simple Meetings, FaceTime, GoToMeeting, Zinc All Mode Communications, ZOOM Cloud Meetings, Confide, Vonage Business Communications and more.