- Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) temporarily shuttered at least eight retail stores in the U.S. and Canada since December 21 as COVID-19 cases surged among the public and employees, Bloomberg reports.
- Apple typically shuts down a retail store when around 10% of staff members test positive for COVID-19.
- "We regularly monitor conditions, and we will adjust our health measures to support the well-being of customers and employees," the report quoted Apple.
- As COVID-19 case numbers and the omicron variant surge worldwide, Apple has started to limit occupancy inside its retail stores to promote social distancing.
- Apple also restored its mask mandate across all U.S. stores and has once again put in plexiglass dividers to protect employees.
- Apple also added an incentive to order online. It launched free two-hour delivery for its products in "most metro areas." The deal runs through December 24. That shipping option typically costs $9.
- Price Action: AAPL shares traded higher by 0.35% at $176.26 in the premarket session on the last check Thursday.
