Apple announced Tuesday that it will require customers to wear masks while shopping in any of its retail stores nationwide amid growing COVID-19 concerns.
“We regularly monitor conditions and we will adjust our health measures in stores to support the wellbeing of customers and employees,” an Apple spokesperson told the Daily Caller. “Amid rising cases in many communities, we now require that all customers join our team members in wearing masks while visiting our stores.”
As reported by BizPacReview, Apple closed all of its stores during the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. Stores opened in early 2021, and employees were required to wear masks the entire time.
Depending on the area-specific location, Apple has adjusted its protocols per region. The tech honcho encouraged customers to shop online rather than in-store, and it increased the amount of in-store space for social distancing.
Apple is just one of many companies adjusting protocols. As reported by Human Events News, Kroger announced Tuesday it will eliminate paid emergency leave for unvaccinated employees who contract COVID-19 and will require some workers to pay a monthly health insurance surcharge.