US department store chain Nordstrom has closed 380 stores to try and curb the spread of coronavirus among its employees and shoppers.
The retailer's locations include 116 stores in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico, and 248 discount Nordstrom Rack sites.
The company has confirmed that its e-commerce business, which accounted for one third of sales in 2019, will remain open.
Employees at Nordstrom's bricks-and-mortar locations will be paid despite the closures.
“The health and safety of our customers and employees remain our top priority as we continue to make decisions during this rapidly evolving situation," said Erik Nordstrom, CEO of Nordstrom.
"We’re taking decisive actions across the business to help protect employees, customers and others in the communities we serve."
Nordstrom has also withdrawn its 2020 earnings outlook, due to the uncertainty of the current climate and Covid-19's impact on overall consumer behaviour.
Erik Nordstrom added: "During this unprecedented period of uncertainty, we have in place the appropriate business continuity plans, operational framework and team.
“This, in concert with ending 2019 with a solid financial position and healthy balance sheet, gives us the ability to weather this challenging moment in time."
