Apple closes all stores outside of Greater China to stop coronavirus spread

Apple has taken the bold move of closing all of its retail stores outside of Greater China to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Computing giant Apple has announced it will close all of its stores outside of Greater China in a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

All retail stores outside of Greater China (which includes territories like Hong Kong and Taiwan) will be closed until March 27.

22 Apple stores will close in Australia Picture: Andreas Solaro / AFP

The company previously closed stores in China as the virus broke out but has since reopened them there.

“First, I want to recognise Apple’s family in Greater China,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a letter on the company’s website.

“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.”

Apple stores in China, including this one in Beijing, reopened this week. Picture: Nicolas Asfouri / AFP

He said staff will continue to be paid while the stores are closed.

Apple has 22 stores in Australia.