Apple closes almost 100 stores due to surge of the COVID-19 cases

Apple temporarily shuts down retail stores in California, Tennessee, Los Angeles, and other locations across the globe as the cases of COVID-19 are rising.

The new COVID restrictions have worsened the outbreak as California recorded its most new COVID-19 cases in a single day on Friday. Holiday seasons are one of the busiest shopping weeks, but 95 Apple Stores across the globe are compelled to be re-closed.

Stores in Tennessee, Germany, and the Netherlands were closed prior, and stores located in the United Kingdom’s Tier 4 restrictions will shut down soon. Most of the stores are temporarily closed, however, few are providing customers with order pickups and genius bar appointments through December 22.

As 9to5Mac reported, Apple’s stores in Mexico and Brazil remained closed between December 19 and 20. The open retail stores are operating in a limited “Express” capacity, which means you are allowed for pickups and genius bar appointments only.

Apple has a total of 509 retail stores in different locations with 401 stores still open. However, Apple has been conducting temperature checks, implementing social distancing measures and customers need to have a face mask to enter the store.

All Apple Stores that were shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic had started re-opening since June, following all the COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines. And now most of them are back to re-closing. You can visit Apple’s website to check the status of your local Apple Store.