In an internal communique, Apple has informed corporate employees that the company has removed the mask mandate in most locations.
The rise and fall in the COVID-19 cases across the United States have forced Apple to revise its health protocol several times since last year. After facing a surge in July 2021, the tech company reinforced the mask mandate for employees and customers but by November that year, the mask requirement was dropped for customers are retail stores.
And almost after two years, the company’s corporate staff returned to the office in a hybrid system in April 2022, with 2 days in the office and three days of remote work till May 20.
However, Apple extended the “phase-in period of the pilot and maintaining two days a week in the office” beyond May 23 because of COVID-19 positive cases and hospitalization rates. The company did ask employees to wear masks in common spaces, meeting rooms, hallways, and elevators—in general, all areas outside of your personal workspace.”
Apple employees are no longer required to wear masks in common and personal workspaces
In the internal email, obtained by The Verge, the company’s COVID-19 Response Team told the employees that they are no longer required to wear a mask even in common spaces. But individuals who wish to wear a mask for personal reasons can continue to do so.
Team,
We are writing to share an update to our current protocols. In light of current circumstances, wearing a face mask will no longer be required in most locations. As always, please check Welcome Forward regularly for specific requirements for your site, including those from local health authorities, or any site you may visit.
We recognize that everyone’s personal circumstances are different. Don’t hesitate to continue wearing a face mask if you feel more comfortable doing so. Also, please respect every individual’s decision to wear a mask or not.
Thank you for all that you do to support Apple’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
The COVID-19 Response Team
