This weekend, Apple closed all Apple stores outside of China until March 27. However, as COVID-19 cases begin to surge in Europe and grow aggressively in the U.S., the Cupertino company has decided to close "until further notice."

"We are committed to providing our customers with exceptional service," Apple's website states.

"For fast, free shipping, shop at apple.com or the Apple Store app. For service and support, please visit support.apple.com or call 800-275-2273 (in the U.S.). We look forward to serving you."

Now what? You can still purchase Apple products from the online Apple Store or app, but you may need to return your Apple Store purchase before the store closes. Or you may need to pick up a device that was in the process of being repaired at your local Apple Store. Perhaps your MacBook Pro's butterfly keyboard has broken again.

Fortunately, Apple has answered all of these questions on a new FAQ page on its website. However, you may not like some of the answers.

Don't worry. According to the company, Apple will extend the product return period to 14 days after it reopens its store.

There are a few exceptions to this rule, including contracted iPhones in the US, Canada, Japan, and Australia, carrier financing in the US, and trade-in devices. In the latter case, "the value of the device may be offered in the form of a gift card."

Apple says that while stores are generally closed, technicians will continue to work until repairs are completed. At least for now. That's because some countries around the world have much stricter rules about not showing up for work.

Here, however, they say they always report the status of repairs, whether they are waiting for parts or nearly complete.

If the device is ready for pickup, "you can pick up your device between 12:00pm and 5:00pm on March 15 or 16." This means that as of today (March 17) you cannot pick up your device and will have to wait until the Apple Store reopens. We have contacted Apple and will update this information as soon as we receive a response.

Until then, you can check the status of your device repair here. [The Apple Store is not open for business. You can begin the repair process here.

Nothing. According to Apple, you can't have it. According to me, you have to deal with it online or wait for the crisis to pass. If you have questions about how to make an album with your photos, please wait until we are safe from the apocalypse. 23]

According to the FAQ, "If you receive confirmation that your order is ready to be picked up, you can go to any Apple Store location between 12pm and 5pm on March 15 or 16 to . you can pick up your order"

.

In this case, too, it appears that you are not out of luck and will either have to reschedule your pickup appointment with Apple or cancel that order and repurchase it for home delivery.

To change the order, go here, chat with an Apple store, or call the company

TL;DR: No, you cannot go to an Apple store under any circumstances.