Apple shuts stores outside China

Apple is closing all of its stores outside China until March 27 in a bid to slow the spread of the coronavirus outbreak, CEO Tim Cook said, adding the firm had learned from steps taken in China, where the tech giant has just reopened its stores. “The most effective way to minimise risk of transmission is to reduce density and maximise social distance,” he said.

SANFRANCISCO: Apple is closing all of its stores outside China until March 27 in a bid to slow the spread of the coronavirus outbreak, CEO Tim Cook said.

Cook said the firm had learned from steps taken in China, where the tech giant has just reopened its retail stores. “The most effective way to minimise risk of transmission is to reduce density and maximise social distance,” he said.

Apple’s online store would remain open but office staff outside China would be working remotely if possible, Cook added. The California-based firm has about 500 stores in 24 countries around the world.

UN STAFF TOLD TO WORK FROM HOME

UNITED NATIONS: All United Nations staff at its headquarters in New York were told on Friday to work from home for at least three weeks due to the coronavirus outbreak unless it was essential for them to be present. Secretary-general Antonio Guterres said the plan was “to reduce our physical presence at United Nations Headquarters, while continuing to deliver on our mandates”.

“Your health remains my greatest concern. Be safe, be smart, be kind,” he said in a message to staff Thursday. About 3,000 UN employees are based in New York.

A Philippine diplomat this week tested positive for the new coronavirus in the first recorded case at UN headquarters. Many organisations and companies around the world have sent staff home to try to reduce the spread of the virus.