Bloomberg reports that Apple will no longer require customers wearing masks to enter its stores in the United States. Due to positive trends in vaccinations, and decreasing COVID-19 incidences, mask mandates will be removed from several stores beginning Friday.
Starting Friday, more than 100 stores will be free from the mask mandate. The policy will then expand to other stores based upon COVID-19 data. Apple currently has 270 stores across the United States. Bloomberg obtained a memo from Apple containing the updated policy.
After careful review, the Environment, Health, and Safety team (EHS) and leadership have decided it is safe to update our guidelines on masks for customers at your store. This change was possible due to positive trends in vaccinations and testing as well as case counts.
Apple stores will allow customers to enter unvaccinated locations. Apple will not ask for proof of vaccination. Masks are still required in Apple Stores, even if they are not mandatory in areas such as Los Angeles or the San Francisco Bay Area.
Apple will no longer require customers to wear masks in certain areas. However, Apple employees will still need to wear masks.
Apple claims that it will continue to monitor COVID data and local guidance throughout the holiday season and make adjustments if necessary.
