Coronavirus Update: Apple CEO Tim Cook Proposes Work From Home To Global Employees

KEY POINTS

Apple CEO Tim Cook encourages employees to work remotely
The new policy is implemented to avoid the spread of coronavirus
The memo states that this policy is for the week of March 9 to 13

Apple’s Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook proposed work from home to employees at many of its global offices. The latest memo sent by Cook addressed the coronavirus outbreak and called it a “challenging moment.”

Bloomberg News obtained a copy of the memo sent by Cook to Apple employees. It encouraged the staff at various global offices to work remotely if it is possible. This is applicable for the week of March 9-13. Earlier on Friday, March 6, the Cupertino-based company encouraged its employees in Seattle and California to work from home.

The report pointed out that this new policy affects areas that are more prone to coronavirus infection. Apple’s corporate offices in Seattle, California, Japan, Italy, South Korea, the U.K., Switzerland, Germany, and France will likely fall in the “greatest density of infections” areas.

According to Cook, the company is “making a major effort to reduce human density and ensure those teams that are on-site can do their work safely and with peace of mind.”

The iPhone maker is implementing methods to continue “enhanced deep cleanings.” The memo also includes Genius Bar appointments and Apple classes.

The memo by Cook also said that employees who get hourly payments at affected workspaces globally will “continue to receive pay in alignment with business as usual operations.”

Earlier, Apple shut down 42 of its retail shops in China due to the coronavirus outbreak. However, almost all location has since resumed operations.

Coronavirus outbreak impacted the production of Apple products as New Yorkers hunt for new iPhones. According to the New York Post, stores around Manhattan have low stock. An employee at an Upper Side AT&T store stated that the iPhone 11 Pro has been out of stock for a couple of weeks.

Coronavirus has claimed at least 3,639 lives globally. Close to 106,893 people are tested positive with the new coronavirus. In the U.S., the death toll because of coronavirus has climbed to 21 with 547 positive cases across 34 states.