Apple Closes All Stores Outside China for 2 Weeks

The main staircase in Apple’s newly reopened store in New York City

Apple said it was closing all of its retail stores with the exception of those in China through March 27.

The move was announced in a letter to customers from Apple CEO Tim Cook, who cited the lessons learnt from its experience in closing its China stores.

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

While the closure went into effect immediately, some media outlets were reporting that certain Apple stores were remaining open over the weekend to allow for the pickup of in-store purchases and repairs.

Apple will remain open for customers who wish to make purchases or require support via the company’s website.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)