It's being reported this afternoon that Apple has warned technical retail employees about shortages of replacement iPhones, another sign the coronavirus outbreak is straining the company’s supply chain.

The company recently told technical support staff at stores that replacement iPhones for heavily damaged devices will be in short supply for as long as two to four weeks, according to Apple Store employees.

The workers, known as Geniuses, were advised in a memo that they can offer to mail replacement iPhones to customers and provide loaner devices to ease delays.

Some Apple stores have also noticed a shortage of individual parts, according to the employees, who asked not to be identified discussing private information. An Apple spokesman did not respond to requests for comment.

The dearth of iPhone repair parts is one of the first visible effects from the virus on Apple’s operations. For more, read the full Bloomberg report titled "Apple warns stores about a shortage of replacement iPhones," that's on their technology homepage today.