Apple is dropping its masks mandates for company workers at “most locations,” based on an inside e-mail from the COVID-19 response crew, obtained by The Verge.

“Don’t hesitate to continue wearing a face mask if you feel more comfortable doing so,” the e-mail reads. “Also, please respect every individual’s decision to wear a mask or not.”

The transfer comes amid a surge within the extremely transmissible BA.5 variant of COVID-19. Earlier this week, the Bay Area transit system BART introduced again its masks mandate.

Apple began requiring some workers to return to the workplace in April, however stopped wanting implementing its full hybrid mannequin, which might mandate three days of in-person work for all workers, each week.

Read Apple’s inside e-mail right here:

We are writing to share an replace to our present protocols. In gentle of present circumstances, carrying a face masks will now not be required in most places. As at all times, please examine Welcome Forward repeatedly for particular necessities to your website, together with these from native well being authorities, or any website you might go to.

We acknowledge that everybody’s private circumstances are completely different. Don’t hesitate to proceed carrying a face masks for those who really feel extra snug doing so. Also, please respect each particular person’s resolution to put on a masks or not.

Thank you for all that you just do to help Apple’s COVID-19 well being and security protocols.

The COVID-19 Response Team