(Yicai Global) Feb. 14 -- Apple will re-open five of its Beijing stores with limited trading hours today as it looks to get back up and running following closures due to the novel coronavirus epidemic.

The California-based smartphone maker run the stores from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. but will not be opening stores in other Chinese mainland cities for the time being, it said online. The firm will inform customers once it has set a date for other stores, and they can buy online in the meantime.

Apple China announced on Feb. 1 that it would be closing its stores until at least Feb. 10 based on considerations for public health, an effort to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus that has now claimed over 1,400 lives.

After holding talks with public health experts and government departments, Apple had been hoping to get its offices, customer service centers and retail stores back open this week.

Editor: James Boynton