Apple is closing extra shops in response to COVID-19’s resurgence. Bloomberg reports the iPhone maker has briefly shuttered three shops within the US and Canada following will increase in exposures and outbreaks amongst staff. Shops in Annapolis (Annapolis Mall), Miami (Brickell City Centre) and the Canadian capital Ottawa (Rideau Centre) will stay closed till both December 18th or December nineteenth.

It’s not clear what number of staff developed COVID-19 on the affected shops. In a press release to Bloomberg, Apple reiterated a previous assertion indicating that it “regularly monitor[s]” pandemic situations and has a “comprehensive” retailer security initiative that features every day well being checks, masks, additional cleansing and paid sick depart. All employees should take COVID-19 checks earlier than they return.

There’s no certainty closures like it will proceed within the close to future. With rising an infection charges and uncertainty across the new coronavirus’ Omicron variant, nonetheless, it will not be stunning if there are extra till this newest wave dies down.

The transfer additionally underscores the persistent dangers for retail workers at many shops, not simply Apple’s. While many retail staff should put on masks and share their well being statuses, they can not essentially keep away from sick clients —and there are considerations Apple retailer managers could have pressured subordinates to come back in regardless of exhibiting COVID-19 signs. Stores can decrease dangers, however they can not utterly keep away from them as long as the illness persists.