Apple Store in the US Reinstates Mask Mandate After One Month

(Photo by Bloomberg)

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Apple has mandated mask-wearing for customers and employees visiting its stores due to the spread of the new COVID-19 variant Omicron.

On the 14th (local time), major foreign media reported that Apple announced it would require all Apple Store employees and customers in the United States to wear masks. This measure will be implemented even in states or counties that have not independently introduced mask mandates.

This decision comes amid rising public health concerns during the year-end holiday season as the highly transmissible Omicron variant rapidly spreads.

Apple had previously lifted the mask mandate for customers in more than 100 of its approximately 270 stores nationwide starting from the 5th of last month, as the COVID-19 spread subsided.

Apple stated, "We have adjusted our store safety measures to protect the health of customers and employees."

With the spread of variants in the U.S., American companies are strengthening COVID-19 prevention guidelines. JP Morgan Chase has instructed unvaccinated employees to work from home, and investment bank Jefferies Finance Group recently decided to enhance remote work due to concerns over the Omicron variant's spread.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.