Apple to temporarily shut all stores in China amid virus spread

NICOLAS ASFOURI / AFP

Apple has announced the closure of all its stores and corporate offices in China due to concerns about the spread of the virus.

In a statement, the tech giant said the closure - "based on the latest advice from leading health experts" - will be in place until February 9.

Apple's joining a handful of retailers, including Starbucks and McDonald's, to temporarily shut stores as a precaution. 

Meanwhile, many other businesses have asked employees in China to work from home and cease non-essential business travel in the first week of February.

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