Why Your Local Apple Store May Be Closed Temporarily

With COVID cases rising, Apple has chosen to close some of its physical stores. Here's what you need to know.

If your Apple store is still open and you have urgent business there, you best tend to it now. Some stores in North America have temporarily closed, which isn’t something you expect to hear in the lead up to Christmas.

On top of that, more closures could easily occur. But Apple wouldn’t take such serious action without good reason. Apparently, we’re not out of the pandemic yet.

Let’s take a closer look at why Apple has temporarily closed some of its stores.

Which Apple Stores Are Closing and Why?

Bloomberg reports that Apple has temporarily closed three stores due to increased instances of COVID-19 exposure among employees. The stores affected so far are in Brickell City Centre, Miami; Annapolis, Maryland; and downtown Ottawa, Ontario.

Before the stores can reopen, returning employees will need to take a COVID-19 test and, presumably, score a negative result. Apple also has a mask mandate in place at all US retail sites and is limiting the number of customers allowed inside a store at any one time. Therefore, if you’re going shopping, you should mask up and be prepared to wait in line.

Related: How to Use iPhone Face ID With a Mask

Apple’s strict measures, designed to quell the outbreak, could mean that the affected locations are only shut down for a short time. Ideally, swift and decisive action now means the company can avoid more serious issues later.

If you’re venturing into a risky area, the COVID Tracker on your iPhone may come in handy.

Will Your Apple Store Close Due to COVID?

By closing some of its stores, Apple has indicated where its COVID-19 containment policy currently stands. The company has ordered closures in the past and will likely do so again when necessary.

If you need an urgent repair or some other service not available online, you should know that an open Apple store—or any other business—isn’t a certainty. However, few tasks require you to visit a physical location these days, so exploring other options is a worthy solution.

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