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Apple Stores bring back COVID restrictions

Apple will reportedly reinstate mask mandates and control crowd size within US Apple Store locations.

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Closed Apple Store in Union Square in San Francisco.
James Martin/CNET
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In the midst of the omicron variant's spread, Apple announced Tuesday it will return to implementing COVID-19 protocols within Apple Stores in the US.

These actions include mask mandates, as well as limiting the number of customers allowed inside at any given time, according to a report by Bloomberg.

Apple previously had to close some store locations due to COVID-19 outbreaks among employees, including at an Apple Store in Southlake, Texas, which experienced a spike in cases following Black Friday. The company was also one of the first to shutter all its US stores at the beginning of the pandemic, and has continuously moved back its return to office requirements for employees.

Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.