Apple has announced that it will close all its stores not located in Greater China until March 27, citing the continued spread of COVID-19.
In a statement, Apple’s CEO Tim Cook stated that the decision had been taken while all Apple’s Chinese stores had reopened as the rate of infections in China continued to decrease.
He added that Apple had reached more than $15 million in donations to efforts combating the spread of the virus and that the company was matching its employees’ donations two-to-one.
The manufacturer, who is rumoured to be announcing a more affordable iPhone in the coming months, is also making all of its worldwide employees move to flexible working arrangements, encouraging remote working where possible and maximising distance between people if not.
Additionally, Apple’s hourly workers will receive pay “in alignment with business as usual operations”.