Coronavirus in Scotland: Apple closes its Edinburgh Princes Street store

Shops shut around the world until March 27

The Apple store on Princes Street was closed this morning

TECH giant Apple has closed its flagship Princes Street store in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

The US-based firm took the decision to close all of its shops around the world - except in China - until March 27.

Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook made the announcement in a message to customers on the firm's website.

"What we’ve learned together has helped us all develop the best practices that are assisting enormously in our global response.

"One of those lessons is that the most effective way to minimize risk of the virus’s transmission is to reduce density and maximize social distance.

"As rates of new infections continue to grow in other places, we’re taking additional steps to protect our team members and customers.

"We will be closing all of our retail stores outside of Greater China until March 27."