The latest steps the tech giant is taking to reduce the spread of the coronavirus is for store employees to stop suggesting to customers that they try on the Apple Watch or AirPods and closing down all their retail locations in Italy.

Across the world, businesses big and small are closing up shop amidst the coronavirus outbreak; major events have been called off, conferences have been cancelled, and companies have told their employees to simply stay home to avoid spreading or contracting the infection, Apple included.

Most recently, the company shut down all their retail locations in Italy, shops which weren't getting much traffic anyway due to the nationwide quarantines. Outside of the pandemic-struck country, Bloomberg reported that Apple has advised its employees not to suggest to customers to test out and try on AirPods or the Apple Watch unless they explicitly request it.

These two measures are simply the latest in a growing list of precautions Apple is taking to keep their employees and customers safe. Others include reducing the number of chairs and stools available in retail locations to prevent customers from getting too close to one another, increasing the cleaning staff in stores, and allowing employees to take additional sick leave days that don't count towards their allotted amount.

Though the date had yet to be officially announced, Cult of Mac reported that Apple has decided to forgo a March hardware event that they traditionally hold every year. Whether the event is just delayed or cancelled has not yet been confirmed.

 - AFP Relaxnews