Mask mandates haven't completely gone away out in the world, but their presence is certainly waning. Even as the coronavirus pandemic continues. So, it's not too surprising to hear that Apple is moving forward and dropping the mask mandate it has in place. At least, for "most" of its corporate locations.
It has definitely been a bit of a rollercoaster for Apple Store employees as far as the mask mandates are concerned. The employees have to keep at the ready, it seems, to keep adjusting to whether or not the mask mandate is in place or not. And for employees at roughly 100 stores in the United States, the masks are coming back up.
The global landscape continues to evolve as individuals, groups, and entire corporations continue to deal with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Apple is certainly no different. And today, there are some big changes for not only its retail sites, but also corporate employees.
Apple is resuming Today at Apple sessions at its brick-and-mortar stores across the United States beginning March 7, just in time for Women’s History Month.
The majority of news circulating regarding Apple Stores these days revolves around the customer experience. And masks. Whether that means having to wear them or not. But today's news is about the employees staffing the physical retail spots.
Apple has been forced to make several different changes to its in-store operations with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. It's gone as far as closing many retail stores across the globe at one time or another. But, most recently, it's had a stronger focus on mask mandates while visiting its retail locations.
In light of the ongoing pandemic, facial recognition used for biometric security on devices like the iPhone can be a bit of a pain point for everyday users. Apple has tried to work around the issue of mask wearing, but for folks without an Apple Watch it doesn't do a lot of good. But, finally, Apple has figured out another option.
As Apple continues to keep an eye on the evolving situation that is the coronavirus pandemic, things keep changing. And while the company has already reinstated the mask mandate for its stores that remain open, Apple has also decided to take more drastic action at other locations. Including shutting doors again.
In light of an ever-changing situation regarding the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Apple has decided to make another big change. This one doesn't revolve around physical retail stores, though. Instead, Apple has opted to keep employees from returning to in-person work for a bit longer.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues. Which means that there are still some changes that companies and people will need to work with. For example, following a surge in new exposures and cases, Apple has decided to close some of its physical retail stores in the United States and Canada.
Mask mandates have come and gone for Apple retail stores. The company has always said it's going to follow the trends of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and adjust accordingly. Which is why it's not too surprising to hear that, as of mid-December, the mask mandate is making a comeback in the United States.
Well, that was fast. After reinstating a mask mandate for its employees and in-store customers in July of this year, the company has decided that, in some states, that rule no longer has to be in place. According to a new report, beginning this week, Apple will start to dial back mask mandates for in-store visits.