CEO Tim Cook instructs Apple's global office workers to work from home today

In a statement to employees, Cook said that employees at the company's global offices will be able to work from home next week, starting March 9 to March 13 "if the job allows it. ".

Earlier, employees at Apple's main office in San Francisco, USA were also working from home.

Also in the announcement, Tim Cook said that the company is working to reduce "crowded focus and to ensure that teams of employees can still work safely and without thinking".

While the work-at-home option does not apply to employees at more than 500 Apple Store retail stores, the announcement only says they will reduce the number of employees at the store.

The company has previously introduced new measures at stores in the United States to limit the spread of viruses such as increased handwashing water supply and increased cleaning staff at stores.

In February, Apple temporarily shut down retail chains in China to limit the spread of the virus. So far most of the locations here reopen.

Home work orders are applicable to Apple employees across the globe including the US, South Korea, Japan, Italy, Germany, France, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Apple also requires sick employees to stay home and encourage online meetings, wash hands frequently and avoid contact.

Cook also emphasized that employees will still receive normal wages when working from home.

The new directive comes amidst Apple's supply chains being halted due to an outbreak in China. It has a significant impact on the iPhone production line and this situation is expected to have to wait until Q2 to improve.

Other big tech companies, including Facebook, Twitter, Microsoft, Amazon and Alphabet, also announced similarly, encouraging employees to restrict travel and work from home.

At present, the Covid-19 epidemic has infected more than 108,000 people with more than 3,600 deaths. While in China, the disease situation tended to decrease, in many other countries around the world witnessed a strong outbreak.

Tim Cook called the Covid-19 translation "an unprecedented event" and a "challenging moment".

David Pac

Update 12 March 2020