Apple closes an additional seven retail stores amid rising COVID-19 concerns
Just last week it was reported that Apple temporarily closed three Apple Store retail locations in the United States and Canada amid rising COVID-19 cases. Now, Apple has closed seven more stores and it’s reported that this number is likely to continue growing as the Omicron strain spreads rapidly.
According to Apple’s policies, a retail store should close when about 10% of the staff members test positive for COVID-19. These closures also come following the decision to reintroduce its mask mandate and store occupancy limits.
In addition to Brickell Miami, Annapolis Maryland, and Rideau Street in Ottawa that were closed last week, Apple made the decision to close a Texas retail location at the beginning of December due to an outbreak in cases among employees. Here are the additional seven new stores that will be closed until further notice:
- Dadeland in Miami
- The Gardens Mall in Palm Beach
- Lenox Square in Atlanta
- Highland Village in Houston
- Summit Mall in Ohio
- Pheasant Lane in New Hampshire
“We regularly monitor conditions, and we will adjust our health measures to support the well-being of customers and employees,” Apple said in a statement. “We remain committed to a comprehensive approach for our teams that combines regular testing with daily health checks, employee and customer masking, deep cleaning and paid sick leave.”