As COVID cases surge in the US, masks are being made compulsory at all Apple stores in America

The tech giant will require customers and staff at most of its more than 270 US retail stores to wear masks even if they are vaccinated, according to a new Bloomberg report, bringing back a requirement that had been removed starting in June.

The change goes into effect Thursday.

In a memo obtained by Bloomberg, Apple says: “After carefully reviewing the latest CDC recommendations, and analyzing the health and safety data for your local area, we are updating our guidance on face masks for your store,”

Apple employees who work in its corporate offices have also been told they must wear masks inside of Apple office buildings.

The move comes as COVID-19 case rates are rising in many parts of the US.

It also follows new guidance being put forward from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), who now recommend the use of masks – essentially backflipping on its previous statement where those that are vaccinated, wouldn’t need one.