Samsung has shut down its branded stores in the U.S. and Canada, the company said in notices on its U.S. and Canadian websites.

Citing the "health and safety of our employees, customers and partners" as its "top priority," Samsung said the measure became effective on Tuesday, March 17.

The similarly worded notices on both websites did not say for how long the stores will be closed. "We appreciate your loyalty and understanding, and will continue to update you during this ever-evolving situation," Samsung America's President and CEO YH Eom said in a statement.

Samsun points out that customers can still shop online over at Samsung.com, and that all its Samsung Care support channels remain open, including support through the company's website, Facebook Messenger, Twitter, and phone at 1-800-SAMSUNG.

Samsung's decision comes days after Apple shut down all of its retail stores outside China "until further notice."

The shutdowns are a reaction to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, with Europe and the U.S. having been hit especially hard.

COVID-19 – the disease caused by coronavirus – has so far killed more than 8,600 and infected more than 207,000 people. The outbreak has been worsening in the U.S. in recent weeks, with more than 8,700 confirmed cases and 149 deaths.