Apple closes stores in states with spikes in coronavirus cases

by Chris Mills Rodrigo - 06/19/20 5:17 PM ET

coronavirus COVID-19 community spread employees return office headquarters cupertino california tests nasal swabs fever check limited capacity — HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP via Getty Images

Apple is closing 11 stores across the United States in areas where coronavirus cases are beginning to spike again.

The company announced Friday that it will shutter the stores in Florida, Arizona, North Carolina and South Carolina that had recently re-opened.

“Due to current COVID-19 conditions in some of the communities we serve, we are temporarily closing stores in these areas,” the company said in a statement. “We take this step with an abundance of caution as we closely monitor the situation and we look forward to having our teams and customers back as soon as possible.”

All four of the states where Apple is closing its stores have seen spikes in cases in recent days.

Apple had begun re-opening stores in the U.S. in May with health precautions including temperature checks and a mask requirement.

“The response to COVID‑19 is still ongoing, and we recognize that the road back will have its twists and turns,” Apple retail head Dierdre O’Brien said at the time, acknowledging stores may have to be closed again if cases rose.

Tags Apple Inc. Apple Store Coronavirus COVID-19