Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Apple has enforced a mask-wearing requirement for its corporate employees and retail staff. Although this requirement has been revised several times since then, there are still places where Apple employees are required to wear a mask. The company is now phasing out the wearing of masks “at most locations” for corporate employees.
Apple no longer needs masks
In an internal memo obtained by The Verge, Apple’s COVID-19 response team told corporate employees on Monday that the company is updating its health and safety protocols “in light of current circumstances.” Apple confirms in a memo that corporate employees are no longer required to wear a face mask unless required by local health authorities.
The company also acknowledges that “personal circumstances are different” and is asking employees to feel free to wear a mask if they choose to. In the same email, Apple also says employees must respect people’s decisions to wear a mask or not.
Earlier this year, Apple retail stores in the United States removed the mandatory mask-wearing requirement for Apple employees. In March, the company eased the requirement to wear a mask in some places for most of its employees. With the decision this week, the company appears to be taking the next step towards returning to normal operations, although some disagreements still remain.
The Verge notes that Apple’s removal of mask requirements comes at a time when the COVID-19 BA.5 variant is spreading rapidly. You can read the full letter below:
Team,
We are writing to share an update to our current protocols. In light of the current circumstances, wearing a mask is no longer required in most places. As always, please check the Welcome Forward regularly for specific requirements for your site, including those from your local health authority or any site you may visit.
We understand that everyone’s personal circumstances are different. Feel free to continue wearing your face mask if you feel more comfortable that way. Also, please respect each person’s decision to wear a mask or not.
Thank you for everything you do to support Apple’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
COVID-19 Response Team
Apple and personal work
On April 11, Apple corporate employees began returning to in-person work after two years of remote work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Employees were required to work in person one day a week. From May 4, this requirement has been increased to two days a week. Apple wanted to increase that requirement to three days a week, but the company backtracked on its decision due to rising COVID-19 cases.
At the same time, Apple has been criticized for its insistence on requiring personal work from employees, as the company’s policy is more restrictive than other Silicon Valley companies.
There is still no word on whether Apple plans to require full in-person work.
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