Apple Temporarily Closes Stores and Commits $15 Million to Help with Coronavirus

On Friday, Apple released a statement where it outlined its plans to help with the global coronavirus outbreak. In the statement, the firm revealed it would temporarily close all stores outside of Greater China until March 27th, and commit $15 million to help with worldwide recovery.

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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

Donations

"Apple’s committed donations to the global COVID-19 response — both to help treat those who are sick and to help lessen the economic and community impacts of the pandemic — today reached $15 million worldwide," read the statement.

The company also noted that they would match employee donations two-to-one.

The statement further revealed some good news. Stores in Greater China were reopening.

"Though the rate of infections has dramatically declined, we know COVID-19’s effects are still being strongly felt. I want to express my deep gratitude to our team in China for their determination and spirit. As of today, all of our stores in Greater China have reopened," read the statement.

Flexible work arrangements

Apple also revealed it would provide flexible work arrangements, such as working remotely, for all its employees outside of Greater China. Meanwhile, Apple's headquarters and many offices will continue to be thoroughly cleaned.

Finally, payment and absences will also be adjusted to the new conditions. "All of our hourly workers will continue to receive pay in alignment with business as usual operations. We have expanded our 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," read the statement.

The firm also revealed that Apple News will now have a new COVID-19 section with all the latest verified reporting from trusted news outlets.