Daily Coronavirus updates: Apple shares plans for reopening its stores

The coronavirus has spread to 188 countries around the world, and it shows no signs of abating . The pandemic has proved particularly devastating in recent weeks, with total confirmed cases crossing 4.7 million and fatalities of over 315,000 globally.

The virus has effectively shut down all sporting leagues around the world, major gatherings including tech events and music festivals, and closed down restaurants and malls. It has transformed how we live and work, and how we connect with our friends and families. Tech brands are doing their part to assist, with Google teaming up with Apple to build a coronavirus tracking tool .

Here's the latest on the coronavirus and how it's affecting not only the tech industry, but also the world at large.

May 18, 2020: Apple details plans to reopen its retail stores

Apple's head of retail Deirdre O'Brien has highlighted the company's plans to reopen its retail stores. Apple is going to limit the number of customers permitted within its stores, and in a few locations it will provide curbside pickup. Most of the retail stores worldwide are still shut, but 25 stores in the U.S. and 12 in Canada will be opening over the coming week.
China's Huami is a wearable manufacturer best known for producing Xiaomi's Mi Band fitness bands, and now the brand is working on a see-through plastic mask that can disinfect itself . It does so by using UV lights that clean the inner surface of the mask.

May 15, 2020: Foxconn profits plunge as video games see record growth

With everyone staying indoors, the video game industry has seen a predictable boost in revenue , with $10.86 billion in sales recorded for the first quarter of 2020 in the U.S. alone.
At the same time, an extended lockdown in China meant that production facilities like Foxconn were shut down, leading to a 90% decrease in profits .

May 13, 2020: Uber commits $50 million to driver safety, shares new guidelines

Uber is rolling out limits on the number of passengers in vehicles and is requiring that drivers and passengers wear face masks. It is also using a verification system to make sure drivers wear masks at all times. The ride-sharing service has mentioned that it is setting aside $50 million for sourcing protective gear for drivers.

May 12, 2020: Tesla restarts operations at factory even though shelter-in-place orders are still in effect

Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted that the car maker's factory in Fremont, California has resumed production even though the Alameda County's stay-at-home order is still in effect. Musk has been increasingly vocal about the continued lockdown, and said that he will be "be on the line," and that "if anyone is arrested, I ask that it only be me."
Singapore is now rolling out a mandatory surveillance system dubbed SafeEntry that requires users to scan a barcode using their phones whenever...