Apple is reportedly planning to bring operations back to normal for its physical stores outside of China in the first half of April after closing these locations earlier this month over coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns. Remote work, however, seems to be up for extension through at least April 5 (via Bloomberg).
The news outlet claims to have obtained a copy of an internal memo from Apple"s Senior Vice President of People and Retail Deirdre O’Brien, telling employees of the upcoming changes. The plan remains subject to how the pandemic unfolds over the coming weeks or months, however.
In the memo, O"Brien wrote:
"For all of our retail stores outside of Greater China, we will reopen our stores on a staggered basis. At this time, we anticipate some stores may be able to open in the first half of April depending on the conditions in their community. We will provide updates for each store as soon as specific dates are established."
Regarding its telework arrangements with employees, the Apple executive said the company will make assessments every week whether team members must continue to work remotely depending on their location. The changes won"t apply to those whose presence is required on-site, though, the report says.