Countries that have been under coronavirus lockdown orders are starting to open up again, and now so are some Apple stores. To dispense with the confusion regarding store opening times and the new social distancing measures that are in place, Apple has released a public update advising customers of what they can expect the next time they visit an Apple store.
The tech giant has been extremely active during the COVID-19 outbreak with the release of a number of new gadgets. For example, Apple unveiled its latest iPad and MacBook products, and even a budget iPhone model during March and April. The $399 iPhone SE was the highlight among the new releases, thanks to its premium specs and features and low price. Although the company's new iPad Pro, fitted with a cutting edge LiDAR scanner for improved augmented reality apps, is another one that's attracted attention. While strict lockdown measures have been keeping shops closed in big cities like New York, San Francisco and London, Apple has been doing what it can to combat the spread, including donating over 20 million masks to healthcare centers, launching online tools for virus-screening and hand-washing reminders, and creating a special face shield for virus protection while in public.
In a recent letter to customers, Apple provided an update on the opening of its stores and the various steps that are being taken to ensure customer safety in the post-lockdown world. Now that the economy is slowly being opened up, Apple will be eager to commence the sale of its latest products, with the letter stating that the company's stores in greater China have already been open for more than a month and are operating with effective health and safety measures in effect. Customers, regardless of where they are, should expect a similar approach to be taken with stores around the world.
The Next Time You Visit An Apple Store
Apple has explained that the decision to open stores in a region will depend on the public health situation and governmental guidelines related to that area. Rather than searching on Google, the best and easiest way for customers to check their local store, including seeing whether it's open or not, or making a Genius Bar reservation, is through Apple's Find a Store tool.
The health and safety measures will focus on limiting the crowd capacity in each store to ensure that there is more room between customers. In addition, every employee and customer will have to cover their faces when in stores, and those who visit a store without a face cover will be provided with one. Furthermore, temperature checks are expected to be carried out at the door, along with posted questions regarding potential symptoms and recent contact with anyone with COVID-19. Apple claims that the stores themselves will also be deep-cleaned and this cleaning process will focus on all surfaces, display products, and other heavily visited areas. As for actual customer services, many stores will now have curb-side pickup and drop-off facilities so customers won't have to go inside the store, with the option to make a payment online or over the phone. Lastly, customers can always opt for online shopping and as usual, Apple will deliver any products bought online to homes or to a nearby store for the buyer to collect.
With an increase in the number of countries looking to ease their respective lockdown restrictions, Apple won't be the only company with safety measures in place for their stores once a city is given the green-light to open up again. Precautions like thermal cameras and sensible social distancing guidelines are expected to be crucial in helping to avoid another spike in coronavirus cases as Apple stores, and public places in general, begin to get crowded once again.
Source: Apple