Apple is no longer requiring its corporate employees to wear masks at “most locations,” says an internal memo obtained and shared by The Verge.
“Don’t hesitate to continue wearing a face mask if you feel more comfortable doing so,” the email from Apple’s COVID-19 Response Team reads. “Also, please respect every individual’s decision to wear a mask or not.”
The team told corporate employees that the company is updating current protocols “in light of current circumstances,” and urged staff to continue wearing a face mask if they feel more comfortable doing so.
Apple, as well as many other corporations, have continually shifted its operating policies as the pandemic has progressed, as it worked to stay in line with various local regulations and to lessen the risk to customers and employees.
Apple’s easing of mask requirements comes as a fresh wave of infections has hit California, due to the highly-contagious Omicron BA.5 subvariant.
Apple still offers a flexible home/office work policy, requiring employees to work from the office at least two days per week.