Apple is dropping its mask mandate for corporate employees in “most locations,” according to an internal email from the COVID-19 response team obtained by ledge,
“If you feel more comfortable doing so don’t hesitate to continue wearing a face mask,” the email reads. “Also, please respect everyone’s decision to wear a mask or not.”
The move comes amid a surge in the highly permeable BA.5 variant of COVID-19. Earlier this week, Bay Area Transit System BART brought back its mask mandate.
Apple began requiring some employees to return to the office in April, but stopped short of implementing its full hybrid model, which would mandate three days of individual work each week for all employees.
Read Apple’s internal email here:
We are writing to share an update to our current protocol. Given the current circumstances, wearing of face masks will no longer be required in most places. As always, please check Welcome Forward regularly for requirements specific to your site, including requirements for local health authorities or any sites you may visit.
We recognize that everyone’s individual circumstances are different. If you feel more comfortable doing so, don’t hesitate to continue wearing a face mask. Also, please respect everyone’s decision to wear or not to wear a mask.
Thank you for everything you do to support Apple’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
COVID-19 Response Team