Earlier today, LEGO announced that they have closed all of the LEGO Brand Stores, with the exception of the ones in China. At the same time, LEGO CEO Niels Christiansen has released a statement regarding the Coronavirus situation and what they are doing to keep employees safe.

An open letter from Niels B Christiansen, CEO, The LEGO Group

The health and safety of children and communities worldwide is our top priority.

We are working extremely hard to protect our colleagues, our customers and of course, our youngest fans.

To reduce the risk of the virus spreading further, we’ve rapidly stepped up our efforts in every country where we operate.

We’ve temporarily closed the approximately 150 LEGO® Brand Retail stores we own and operate until at least March 27 in all countries except China. Our online store on LEGO.com remains open. Our retail store colleagues will receive their scheduled wages until this time.

Every colleague whose job allows them to work from home must do so. For colleagues whose job requires them to come to work, we are taking extraordinary measure to safeguard their health. For example, we will conduct temperature checks on employees and implement mandatory hand washing and sanitising. We’ve rearranged our workplaces to ensure that colleagues do not gather in large groups and practice social distancing. Naturally, we have cancelled all travel.

We’re monitoring the situation continuously and will take whatever steps are necessary to promote well-being.

One thing I am certain of is the awesomeness of the people who work at the LEGO Group, and our fans. One of our company values is caring. The way everyone is looking after each other is truly inspiring. We’re listening to you, and we take strength from the fact that play and learning can bring families together for moments of joy, even at the most uncertain times.

We will get through this together.

Stay safe, stay home and stay strong.

Niels