Microsoft closes all Microsoft Store locations amid coronavirus outbreak

What you need to know

• Microsoft is closing its Microsoft Store locations around the globe in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
• Microsoft Store employees will continue to be paid for their regularly scheduled hours.
• Stores will remain closed "until further notice," Microsoft says.

Microsoft announced today that all of its Microsoft Store locations are closed until further notice. The move is part of Microsoft's response to the coronavirus pandemic, which is growing in scope around the globe. It also follows a recommendation by the U.S. government to limit social gatherings to no more than 10 people.

"We are closing Microsoft Store locations to help protect the health and safety of our customers and employees," Microsoft said in an email to customers. "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."

Beyond closing down its stores, Microsoft committed to continuing to pay its Microsoft Store employees for their regularly scheduled hours.

Additionally, Microsoft issued a joint statement on its response to the pandemic with LinkedIn, Google, Facebook, Reddit, Twitter, and YouTube.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) has rocked every industry in recent months as the virus has continued to spread around the globe. A number of upcoming industry events have been canceled, including Microsoft Build, and companies have implemented work-from-home and social distancing policies to help limit the spread of the virus.

As of this writing, the total number of coronavirus cases has swelled north of 182,000 with more than 7,000 deaths. To keep up with the latest numbers, Microsoft this week launched a coronavirus tracker on Bing.