Apple retail stores around the globe (outside of greater China) will be closed until further notice, says a banner on Apple’s website, first noticed by 9to5Mac.
Apple on Friday temporarily shuttered all of its retail stores located outside of greater China. The company originally intended to shut down the stores for a two week period in an effort to cut down on the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus around the globe.
Apple’s FAQ on its website – which answers many of the questions customers might have concerning the store closings and repairs and returns – still shows March 27 as the target date for reopening stores.
The banner only appears on Apple’s U.S. website, so it isn’t clear if the indefinite closure period only applies to U.S. stores.
Apple’s updating of the closure period to “until further notice” is likely a reflection of the U.S. government’s Monday advisory to the public to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people.
All Apple hourly workers will continue to receive pay in alignment with “business-as-usual” operations. The company has expanded its leave policies to accommodate personal or family health circumstances created by COVID-19 — including recovering from an illness, caring for a sick loved one, mandatory quarantining, or childcare challenges due to school closures.
On Friday it was revealed that an employee on leave from the Third St. Promenade in Santa Monica, California had tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus. The employee had been on leave to take care of a relative since March 2, which was 10 days before being diagnosed.
