Apple Limits Business Trips to Korea Due to COVID-19 Spread

[Asia Economy Reporter Joselgina] Apple has restricted employee business trips to South Korea and Italy, where confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) are increasing, Bloomberg reported on the 3rd (local time).

On the same day, Apple announced in a COVID-19 related notice to employees, "We are imposing specific travel restrictions on certain countries including China, South Korea, and Italy." The notice stated that employees cannot visit these countries unless it is for critical business matters and that approval from a company vice president is required.

Apple also urged employees to hold meetings via calls or video instead of face-to-face meetings. Employees with fever or severe cough were requested to take sick leave until full recovery. Apple CEO Tim Cook recently stated that he is closely monitoring the situations in South Korea and Italy related to COVID-19.

Previously, Apple had restricted employee business trips to China, where COVID-19 broke out, and closed 42 local stores and offices.

Bloomberg reported, "Since most of Apple's supply chain is based in China, it is directly impacted by COVID-19," and added, "Apple has one store in South Korea and 17 stores in Italy, but none have been confirmed closed yet."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.