Apple to Drop Mask Requirement in US Apple Stores This Week

Steve Vegvari
3 years ago

Apple will reportedly be dropping its mask requirements for customers in select stores across the US. Vaccinated customers will soon be able to enter the store without a mask on Tuesday, June 15.

Over the course of the pandemic, Apple has been quite reactionary and ushered in new policies in order to protect its staff and customers. Early on, Apple shuttered most stores around Canada, the US, and the world as COVID-19 set in. Since that time, Apple has monitored the global situation as followed safe practices when opening the doors back open to its stores. Like all other businesses, this included the mandatory use of masks when entering the retail location. However, Apple may soon loosen its requirements of masks within US-based Apple Stores as soon as this week.

According to Bloomberg, sources have said that Apple will soon be changing its policies to allow customers into the store without wearing a mask. It’s intended that customers who have received their vaccinations can enter the store without wearing a mouth and nose covering. However, as noted by the report, Apple employees will be unable to as for verification of a customer’s vaccination shots.

Staff members will still be required to wear masks within the Apple Store locations. Though, physical distancing requirements will be loosened during this time as well.

“Given the progress being made in response to COVID-19 in the U.S., we wanted to let you know that a number of sites are now moving to the next phase of resumption and will begin to operate under Phase 3 onsite protocol,” a memo to employees reads. “In Phase 3, where allowed, Apple protocols are being updated to permit optional masking for vaccinated individuals. Physical distancing requirements are also being relaxed in this phase.”

Meanwhile, in Canada, many Apple Stores remain closed. Some retail locations have slowly begun to open up. Curbside pickup is being used in a limited capacity in order to help facilitate purchases and order pickups. It may still be some time until provincial and federal bodies allow the ease of masks when indoors. In which case, Canadian Apple Stores have a while to wait until they catch up to their US counterparts.

P.S. Help support us and independent media here: Buy us a beer, Buy us a coffee, or use our Amazon link to shop.

Other articles in the category: Apple