Apple is no longer requiring customers to wear masks when inside of Apple Stores in many locations in the United States, says a Bloomberg report.
Apple began dropping the mask requirements as local guidelines began to again change as a reduction in COVID-19 cases.
The report says Apple is preparing to bring back in-person “Today at Apple” classes at its retail stores. Some locations will see classes return as early as this week. Other locations are expected to restart classes in March.
Apple has updated its website to provide details as to which locations are now mask-free. The Cupertino firm has also informed store employees about the mask requirements being dropped. While customers are no longer required to wear masks in the locations, Apple continues to encourage them to continue to wear masks, and Apple employees are still required to wear masks at this time.
In areas with stricter mask guidelines – including Hawaii, Illinois, Oregon, Washington, and select areas in California – masks are still required. Apple says it will continue to update local mask mandates as local requirements change.
If you visit Apple’s store website and your store says that “face masks are required while visiting this location” you will need to continue to wear a mask when you visit the store. Apple will note where masks are optional, while also continuing to recommend face masks.