As more and more countries and businesses take action to try and slow the spread of the coronavirus, tech giant Apple has announced that it will temporarily close all its retail stores outside of greater China.
Last night, CEO Tim Cook posted a letter to the company’s website, saying that Apple will be closing its stores worldwide until March 27, and also committing $15M to help with worldwide recovery from COVID-19.
“The most effective way to minimize risk of the virus’s transmission is to reduce density and maximize social distance,” he said in the letter. “As rates of new infections continue to grow in other places, we’re taking additional steps to protect our team members and customers.”
The company’s online stores will remain open. Meawhile, all 42 of the company’s branded stores in greater China reopened on Friday.
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. https://t.co/ArdMA43cFJ
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) March 14, 2020
At the conclusion of the letter, Tim Cook wrote:
“There is no mistaking the challenge of this moment. The entire Apple family is indebted to the heroic first responders, doctors, nurses, researchers, public health experts and public servants globally who have given every ounce of their spirit to help the world meet this moment. We do not yet know with certainty when the greatest risk will be behind us.”
“And yet I have been inspired by the humanity and determination I have seen from all corners of our global community. As President Lincoln said in a time of great adversity: “The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew.””
