Some say the pandemic is over. nothing. For what it’s worth, companies are in the process of easing norms for their employees, who are required to work from office. Apple joined them today to drop the mask mandate for corporate employees. The Verge claims to have received an internal email sent by Apple’s COVID-19 response team to employees informing them that wearing masks in offices is now an option.
However, in the email, Apple urged employees to “continue to wear face masks” if they feel more comfortable with it. According to the report, the email said that employees “must respect every individual’s decision to wear a mask or not.” Apple essentially does not want any discrimination based on whether or not someone is wearing a mask.
However, Apple’s decision comes at a time when the US is facing a surge in the highly contagious BA.5 version of Covid-19. On August 1, the US reported more than 176,000 new cases, according to data provided by The New York Times. In April, Apple asked employees to return to the office as part of a hybrid work mode. But, in view of the prevailing pandemic circumstances, the company delayed the hybrid return on work of office workers. Subsequently, it announced that employees who were going to the office two days a week would once again have the option of working completely remotely.
Here’s the full email Apple sent to its employees (via The Verge):
crew,
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
Apple no longer requires employees to wear masks in offices, first appeared on BGR India.
