Coronavirus Update: Apple CEO Tim Cook Announces Flexible Work Arrangements Globally Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

In the light of the coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed more than 5000 lives across the world, Apple CEO Tim Cook announces that all stores will be closed outside of China until March 27. Moreover, the company is shifting to a flexible work arrangement allowing employees to work remotely if they can.

Cook has shared the latest guidance on Apple stores and the company’s response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

“In 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,” Cook tweeted.

He has attached a post titled “Apple’s COVID-19 Response” detailing the iPhone maker’s strategy to deal with coronavirus.

Apple Retail Stores Closure

In the post, Tim states that the online stores are open at and people can download the Apple Store app on the App Store. But the company is closing all of its retail stores outside of Greater China until next Friday. He mentions that customers can visit support.apple.com for service and support.

Apple Employees Can Work From Home

All Apple offices will have “flexible work arrangements” globally outside of Greater China. “That 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,” Tim said in the statement.

Moreover, deep and extensive cleaning will continue at all Apple sites. The Cupertino-based tech behemoth is introducing new temperature checks and health screenings.

Apple has expanded its leave policies to include personal as well as family health situations due to coronavirus. The leave policies include recovering from the illness, taking care of a sick loved one, child care due to school shutdowns and compulsory quarantining.

“All of our hourly workers will continue to receive pay in alignment with the business as usual operations.”

The coronavirus has spread to 139 countries and killed 5,429 people, according to John Hopkins University. The total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus stands at 145,369.