Apple's US stores, offices to start dropping mask requirement; staff to return to office by Sept

New York

APPLE Inc plans to drop its mask requirement for vaccinated customers at many US stores beginning next week, a move that will mark yet another major retailer moving away from the Covid-19 safety protocol as states ease restrictions.

The technology giant has begun informing retail employees of the impending change in impacted markets, according to people with knowledge of the matter, who declined to be identified discussing policy changes that have not been announced.

The change will go into effect as early as Tuesday, and employees have been told that they will not be required to ask customers for verification of vaccination.

Workers will still need to wear masks at stores, Apple told staff. The company could change its plans or delay the loosening of the restriction. The requirement for face coverings will also be dropped at some of the Cupertino, California-based company's US offices, according to a memo sent to corporate employees.

"Given the progress being made in response to Covid-19 in the US, 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," said the memo.

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"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."

An Apple spokesman declined to comment on the changes.

Apple was one of the first companies to close its stores as the outbreak spread globally. In March 2020, it said it was closing hundreds of stores and encouraged employees to work remotely.

The planned change in the company's mask policy change corresponds with California's timeline to reopen the state on Tuesday and ease most restrictions for vaccinated individuals.

Apple previously relaxed its mask requirement in some other regions, including in Australia.

The company told staff earlier this month that they are expected to return to the office by September.

It is beginning its require office return as a hybrid pilot programme that lets staff work from home two days per week and as many as two additional weeks remotely per year.

Several other retailers, including Starbucks, Walmart, Costco Wholesale and Trader Joe's have recently relaxed their mask requirements. BLOOMBERG