Apple Says All Stores In China Now Reopened

The last of Apple's 42 stores on the mainland reopened on Friday, as the country slowly goes back to work following weeks of quarantine that forced the closure of businesses.

The firm announced on February 1 that it would shut all its stores, corporate offices and contact centres across the mainland as the epidemic rapidly spread.

More than 3,100 people have died and 81,000 infected on the mainland but the number of cases has declined in recent weeks, suggesting strict quarantine measures have met some success in halting the virus.

Apple's stores have gradually been reopening over the past few days and a spokeswoman for the company said the remaining few would throw their doors open on Friday.

The company's website shows its stores now have "special operating hours".

Last month, Apple said it would miss its second quarter revenue forecast and global iPhone supplies would fall because of the epidemic.

The firm had forecast revenue of US$63-US$67 billion for January-March, but did not disclose how much it expected revenue to fall. (AFP)