Nearly 100 of more than 500 Apple Stores around the world are reopening. This was announced by Apple in a specially issued press release.

The company was one of the first to close its stores in places where the coronavirus situation became too dangerous for both employees and customers.

What security measures is Apple taking?

First of all, the company carefully examines the situation: how many new cases of infection have been detected in a specific place, what recommendations are made by the local Ministry of Health, and also looks at the nearest and long-term trends in the spread.

Another important factor is distancing. Store employees and visitors will be at sufficient distance from each other. In addition, visitors will be allowed into the store only after measuring the temperature and checking the main symptoms and only wearing masks. If there is no mask, then visitors will be given one at the entrance. All shops will be thoroughly cleaned during the day, especially in the most popular parts of the shops.

Probably, store employees will now be forced to work under the new rules, which are distributed in the only South Korean store. At least such an instructional video is being distributed to Apple Store employees. It says:

• Temperatures are measured for all employees before starting work. These data will be entered into a special spreadsheet;
• The distance between employees and clients should not be less than two meters;
• Stores will have disinfectants that both customers and Apple Store employees will be required to use;
• Stores will limit the number of shoppers to special zones marked with ribbons;
• Employees will communicate with each other using the Talk application to eliminate unnecessary movement around the room;
• The devices will be placed on the tables in the corners so that customers will distance themselves from each other;
• The number of demonstration devices has been reduced;
• The sofas and tables from the seating area have been removed;
• Opening hours have been shortened.

Where will the stores be open?

Apple has 511 offline stores in total. Of these, according to CNBC, 25 will open this week in the US in Florida, California, Oklahoma, Colorado, Washington and Hawaii. 12 stores will be opened in Canada.

Italy’s iSpazio reports that Apple will open 10 of its 19 stores in Italy on Tuesday. The situation practically throughout the country has stabilized significantly. But there are still two problem regions – Lombardy and Piedmont.

In addition, Apple has opened stores in China, South Korea and Germany. About 130 retail stores are expected to open by the end of the week. They will be re-closed if necessary.