Apple Reopened 42 Stores After Closing Them Due To COVID-19 Outbreak

Apple has reopened all of its 42 stores in China after shuttering them last month because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Closed stores were among the main reasons why Apple predicted a decrease in its revenue for this quarter, China is the third-largest market for the tech giant.

Since the shutting, the iPhone maker has gradually reopened its stores in the country. As of last week, 38 stores were already reopened and the company reopened the last four stores today, according to its website. The move was confirmed by a spokesperson from Apple.

China, where COVID-19 originated, placed curbs on travel. The country also asked people to avoid going to public places late last month, just before the Lunar New Year festival. The restrictions were in effect until most of February.

Last month, iPhone sales in China were lower than 500,000, according to government data, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Apple announced to close its China-based stores temporarily in early February.

Meanwhile, in Italy, the tech giant had to shutter all of its 17 stores in the country and the pandemic is spreading uncontrollably. Apple has begun creating more space in its stores while canceling several classes as a measure to limit the spread of COVID-19. The tech giant has also allowed its employees around the world to work from home.

Previously, Apple sent a care package to its employees in China, including some medicine, snacks, and an iPad to help them past the time during the outbreak, along with its best wishes. This action impressed not only the employees but also a lot of others.

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