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Apple eliminates mask requirement in several US stores

Apple Inc. is eliminating the requirement to wear a face mask for customers at many of its US retail stores beginning Friday, due to declining COVID-19 cases and increasing vaccination levels.

The change will go into effect at more than 100 of the company’s 270 stores in the United States before gradually expanding to additional stores in the coming days. The requirement will be removed in some stores in states such as California, Florida, Arizona, New York, Louisiana, New Jersey and Connecticut.

The new mask policy was announced Thursday in an internal memo to Apple retail store employees, which was obtained by Bloomberg News. A spokesperson for Apple declined to comment.

After careful review, the Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) team, along with management, have determined that it is safe to update our guide on mask use for customers in stores.”, According to the memo. “Positive vaccination trends, testing, and case counts in their areas have made this change possible.”.

The new policy will apply to clients regardless of vaccination status.

The mask use requirement will remain in effect for retail employees of Apple. “Team members have longer interactions in stores and are in close proximity throughout the day”, According to the memo.

The requirement will also continue in some regions of the country, such as Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, where local governments still require the use of masks indoors.

The health and safety of our teams and customers remains our top priority”Apple also told staff. “We will continue to monitor local regulations and COVID case data in your areas throughout the holiday season, and will make any necessary adjustments.”.

Apple has changed its mask use policy based on the circumstances of the pandemic. In June, the company eliminated the mask requirement in many stores in the United States, but reimposed it in July due to the increase in cases.

Apple It has been gradually trying to get its operations back to pre-pandemic routines. The company encourages workers to get vaccinated by requiring that corporate employees who are not vaccinated against the COVID-19 undergo daily rapid tests for the virus. The company also plans to require staff to return to offices starting in January for at least three days a week.

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