Apple is preparing once again to reopen its U.S. stores that were shuttered twice by COVID-19 outbreaks. Speaking with Bloomberg, sources close to the situation said that a small number of these stores had been planning to reopen by the end of the month and will largely operate on an appointment-only basis to start.

Apple began informing store employees of these plans earlier in the week. All employees and customers will be required to wear masks and have their temperatures checked open entry. The stores will limit the number of customers who can enter.

The company initially moved to shut down all 270 Apple Stores in the country when the coronavirus outbreak first took hold in March. Apple began to reopen these stores in May, but resurgences of the virus in several states forced them to close 120 locations once again.

Many Apple Store employees were reassigned to online roles within the company following the closures of their locations. Some of these transitioned workers were told that these new roles would be permanent for the time being, but some are expected to return to the physical stores as needed.

Apple did not respond to requests for comment on the situation.

Apple's share price has doubled since March, taking its market valuation to over $2 trillion, the highest ever seen on Wall Street
Apple's share price has doubled since March, taking its market valuation to over $2 trillion, the highest ever seen on Wall Street AFP / KIMIHIRO HOSHINO
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