U.S. Apple Stores will once again require customers to wear masks at most of its retail locations, says a Bloomberg report. Both customers and employees will need to wear masks when inside an Apple retail location in areas where the COVID-19 coronavirus is prevalent, this also includes those who are vaccinated.
Apple had dropped its mask requirement for vaccinated customers in June, but earlier this month, it began requiring employees in certain regions to wear masks and also encouraged other employees to do so.
Masks will be required in select stores starting on Wednesday, July 29, due to the Delta variant, which the CDC says is more infectious than original COVID-19 strains. COVID-19 cases have been spiking across parts of the United States.
Apple told its retail employees about the change in a memo:
“After carefully reviewing the latest CDC recommendations, and analyzing the health and safety data for your local area, we are updating our guidance on face masks for your store. Starting July 29, face masks will be required in store for customers and team members – even if they’re vaccinated.” The company added it is making the change “out of an abundance of caution.”
Apple is also asking retail staff to get vaccinated. “Apple encourages everyone who is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, to take it,” reads Apple’s memo. At this time, the company is not requiring its employees to get the vaccine.