Apple Once Again Requiring Masks at All U.S. Retail Stores
Apple retail stores are implementing stricter COVID measures, once again requiring customers to wear masks in all locations in the United States and enacting social distancing rules in some locations that had been eliminated earlier this year.
Apple in November dropped its masking requirements for customers in many U.S. states due to positive trends in vaccinations and declining COVID-19 cases, but cases are ticking upward again and there are concerns over the Omicron variant.
In some states, mask mandates were not eliminated, but in states where customers were no longer required to wear a mask in an
Apple Store, that's changing. About 100 stores were able to drop their masking requirements back in November.
Apple was also able to stop limiting occupancy in its stores, but in areas with high number of cases, there will once again be waits to enter when it's crowded.
Apple has been continually monitoring local guidance and COVID data throughout the pandemic, making adjustments as needed to mitigate risk for customers and employees.
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In addition to updating many of its existing products, Apple is expected to unveil five all-new products this year, including a smart home hub, a Face ID doorbell, a MacBook with an A18 Pro chip, a foldable iPhone, and augmented reality glasses.
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