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Tag: requirement

  • Apple to boost COVID-19 testing requirements for Apple Store retail staff

    Apple to boost COVID-19 testing requirements for Apple Store retail staff

    Per an internal memo obtained by Bloomberg on Tuesday, Apple plans to start requiring its Apple Store retail staff to test for COVID-19 infections twice a week, no matter their vaccination status, although the company is also easing its test verification policies. Apple will also be allowing staff members to independently verify their test results.

    “Based on what we’ve learned from our testing pilot, everyone will now be required to self-test twice per week, regardless of vaccination status,” Apple told employees. “In addition, if you were submitting your test results for verification, you’re no longer required to do so.”

    The updated rules appear to be a step towards lifting overall mask requirements for employees. Apple said it was “reviewing our face mask guidance for team members,” but urged employees to continue wearing a face mask while in stores.

    Apple added that it is “hopeful that case numbers remain low and these protocols will be in effect for the foreseeable future.”

    Apple listed customer mask requirements at most of its retail locations back in February, and also dropped some employee mask mandates in specific U.S. states like Ohio and Georgia.

    Apple began ramping up its Covid-19 testing program in August 2021 for both corporate and retail staffers. The company has never implemented any sort of vaccine mandate for its employees, however, citing privacy concerns.

    Via AppleInsider and Bloomberg

  • Apple to end masking requirements in some U.S. Apple Store locations, looks to resume in-person classes in March

    Apple to end masking requirements in some U.S. Apple Store locations, looks to resume in-person classes in March

    Apple will stop its mandate requiring customers to wear masks when visiting Apple Store locations in many locations across the United States. The company has dropped mask mandates following changes in local guidelines and a reduction in COVID-19 cases.

    Employees have been informed of the mask updates, and Apple has also updated its website to provide details on which locations are no longer requiring masks. Apple is still recommending that customers wear masks, and Apple employees need to continue to wear masks at this time.

    Masks will still be required in states and regions with stricter mask guidelines, such as Hawaii, Illinois, Oregon, Washington, and select areas in California. Apple will continue to update its mask mandates as local requirements change.

    Apple has also stated that masks are optional for customers who are vaccinated.

    Apple is apparently also preparing for the return of in-person “Today at Apple” classes at its retail stores. In some locations, in-person classes will be available as early as this week, while other stores will restart classes in March.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via MacRumors and Bloomberg

  • Apple removes UNiDAYS education requirement for U.S. education storefront

    Apple removes UNiDAYS education requirement for U.S. education storefront

    Apple has walked back a requirement preventing some users from receiving discounts through its education storefront.

    Last week, the company began requiring that customers taking advantage of educational discounts in the United States verify their status as a teacher, student, or school staff member through UNiDAYS.

    As of Friday, discounted iPads, Macs, and other products can be purchased from Apple’s education website in the U.S., and Apple is not asking for any proof that a customer is a student or teacher.

    Following the UNiDAYS requirement rollout, there were complaints from some MacRumors readers that suggested the UNiDAYS site was broken for staff member verification, as it was asking customers to upload a student ID with an expiration date. Staff members were also prevented from qualifying for discounted products, and Apple apparently removed the requirement following reports of this obstruction.

    It’s unknown as to whether Apple will reimplement an institution verification process after working out the kinks to allow students, staff, and school staff to make discounted purchases. At present, there is no requirement that needs to be met for the discounts.

    Apple has long required UNiDAYS verification in countries like the United Kingdom, so it would not be too much of a surprise to see it added again as a requirement in the United States at some point in the future.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via MacRumors and the Apple education website

  • Apple reinstates mask requirement to all U.S. Apple Store retail locations

    Apple reinstates mask requirement to all U.S. Apple Store retail locations

    It never hurts to be safe.

    Apple is reinstating a requirement for customers to wear masks when visiting an Apple Store in the United States, due to a rise in cases of COVID-19.

    While the company was in the process of reducing its social distancing measures in its stores in November, having ended its mask requirement in approximately 100 stores on November 5 before rolling out to others. In the face of pandemic changes, it’s reversing course and bring masks back.

    Prior to the rollback, the mandate had been dropped at roughly half of its retail outlets.

    Apple has also begun limiting store occupancy at “several locations.” At the height of the pandemic, Apple had changed the design of some stores to enable pickup and drop-off of products, as well as only allowing limited numbers of customers enter stores at a time.

    The decision was made in the face of the fast spread of the Omicron variant, which has resulted in a surge of infections in the U.S. and other countries.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via AppleInsider and @markgurman

  • Beginning Friday, November 5th, some U.S. Apple Store locations to drop mask requirement for customers

    Beginning Friday, November 5th, some U.S. Apple Store locations to drop mask requirement for customers

    Per a note intercepted by Bloomberg, Apple on Friday will drop the pandemic mask mandate for more than 100 of its 270+ Apple Store retail locations in the United States following positive trends in vaccinations and declining COVID-19 cases.

    The intra-company note reads as follows:

    After careful review, the Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) team, along with leadership, have determined it’s safe to update our guidance on masks for customers in your store. The positive trends in vaccinations, testing, and case counts for your area have made this change possible.

    Customers will be able to enter Apple retail locations vaccinated or unvaccinated, and Apple will not require proof of vaccination. In areas like Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area where mask wearing is still mandated, masks will still need to be worn in Apple Stores.

    While Apple is dropping mask mandates for customers in some areas, Apple Store employees will still be required to wear masks at this time.

    Apple says that it plans to continue to monitor local guidance and COVID data throughout the holiday season, making adjustments as required.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via MacRumors and Bloomberg