Apple will cease requiring customers to wear a mask in many of its United States retail stores. Bloomberg reports Apple’s mask mandates will end at several U.S. stores starting on Friday thanks to declining COVID-19 cases and positive vaccination trends.
More than 100 out of 270 U.S. Apple stores will drop their mask mandates on Friday. Apple will expand the no mask policy to additional stores, based on the local COVID-19 data.
Apple shared the new policy with employees in a memo that was obtained by Bloomberg.
After careful review, the Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) team, along with leadership, have determined it’s safe to update our guidance on masks for customers in your store. The positive trends in vaccinations, testing, and case counts for your area have made this change possible.
Apple will not require proof of vaccination, meaning customers will be allowed to enter Apple retail locations vaccinated or unvaccinated. Mask wearing is still mandated in Los Angeles and the San Francisco areas, so masks will still need to be worn in those areas. Apple employees will still be required to wear masks at this time.
Apple will continue to monitor local guidance and COVID data throughout the holiday season, making changes as required.
