All Microsoft Stores closed due to coronavirus outbreak
What's the story
Following the footsteps of Apple, Microsoft is also closing its stores as part of an effort to combat the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease COVID-19. The move, according to a report in Windows Central, applies to all global outlets operated by the Redmond giant with immediate effect. Here's all you need to know about it.
Response
Microsoft's response to COVID-19
A few hours ago, Microsoft took to Twitter to announce the closure of all its store locations around the world to fight the community spread of coronavirus. It noted that the move is being taken to protect the health and safety of "our customers and employees". The company also sent out emails to customers to inform about the same.
Employee salaries
Employees to be paid regularly, says Microsoft
In the email to customers, Microsoft noted that it will continue to pay all the employees hit by store closures for their regularly scheduled hours. "During this unprecedented time, the best way we can serve you is to do everything we can to help minimize the risk of the virus spreading," the company said while explaining the decision.
Reopening
No word on store reopening yet
As of now, there is no word on when the stores would reopen in the US or in any other country. The note from Microsoft just says that the stores would remain closed 'until further notice,' which implies that the company would monitor the situation and then take a call on when to open the stores for the public.
Twitter Post
Here is Microsoft's full statement
For the safety of our customers and employees, we are closing all global Microsoft Store locations, effective immediately. For help, please visit https://t.co/tzwDaQSY0k. pic.twitter.com/KjMr8TQh3y
— Microsoft Store (@MicrosoftStore) March 17, 2020
Advisory
US government advisory to restrict social gathering
The move from Microsoft follows the federal government's recommendation to limit social gatherings to no more than 10 people. This is also why Apple took the step of closing all its stores outside of China and switching WWDC 2020 to an online-only format. Beyond this, most big tech companies have resorted to allowing the remote working option to their employees.
Information
COVID-19 has killed over 7,000 people worldwide
The outbreak of coronavirus has killed more than 7,000 people around the world and infected more than 1,80,000. In India alone, as many as 137 people have tested positive for the infectious disease.