Apple has decided to temporarily close its retail stores in regions hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
In recent weeks, another coronavirus outbreak has begun in California. The state already has more than 1,8 million cases, and more than 43,000 new cases were identified on Saturday. Apple didn't mention when precisely all 53 closed stores in California will resume their work. Besides, Apple Stores will also close its doors to visitors in Tennessee, Utah, Minnesota, and Oregon.
The Internet Protocol
Apple will suspend all stores in London. Due to the new strain of coronavirus spreading and the new variant VUI-202012/01 that causes COVID-19, Boris Johnson, UK Prime Minister, has announced new tier 4 restrictions for London. Under tier 4 restrictions, non-essential shops, hairdressers, leisure and entertainment venues must be closed. Also, people must stay at home over Christmas and must not meet up with other households. One resident could meet up with one person for a walk, but not a whole family.
While the mutated virus is known to spread faster than the previous one, scientists do not believe that it is more lethal or causes more severe symptoms. Boris Johnson said that the new strain could be 70% more infectious than the previous one.
There is also no evidence that the new strain will be resistant to vaccines, which are already used in many countries worldwide.
The Internet Protocol
A growing list of countries, mainly in Europe, has closed air communication with the UK. So, it's not surprising that Apple Stores, located in the UK with tier 4 restrictions, shut down. Simultaneously, 18 Apple Stores in Germany and the Netherlands were closed, as well as stores in Mexico and Brazil.
