Apple Stores Reopening: Precautionary Measures Apple Is Implementing Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

The current COVID-19 pandemic has caused people all over the world to rethink how they should go about their everyday lives. This includes how businesses interact with their customers.

Apple, for one, is taking precautionary measures to keep people safe from the 2019 novel coronavirus, which has affected people everywhere starting in China. The Cupertino tech giant is giving extra effort to prevent the spread of the virus, while still attending to its customers' needs.

Apple Insider provides a thorough look at the things that the company and its employees are doing with every open retail store. Here are the key takeaways from the report.

Reopening status

Apple is not applying a one-size-fits-all approach to its retail business. Some stores have been reopened, but some stores remains closed. Some accept walk-in customers for storefront service, while some offer curbside service only.

At the door

Apple applies a very strict entry policy to make sure that those who are positive with COVID-19 will not be allowed to enter. In one branch in Virginia, for example, store staff guide customers into lines for walk-ins and for those with prior reservations.

Customers will be approached by staff while waiting in line. The staff will ask a series of questions then takes the customer's temperature to determine whether they will be allowed entry or not. Customers will also be required to wear facial coverings such as masks.

While inside

Those who manage to enter the retail store will expect to see the following:

• They will be accompanied by one employee the entire time. This is so that customers will not be moving around unattended.
• A lot of disinfecting and sanitation. Staff receiving an iPhone from a customer, for example, will clean and disinfect the device before servicing.
• Proper spacing. Stores enforce social distancing, and have designed the layout so that it could be done: fewer devices will be displayed, and customers won't have to flock together in one spot to get service or make payments.
• Quick service. Previously, customers who purchase an iPhone, for example, will be guided on how to set the device up and use it. Now, buyers will be told to go home after buying, and contact customer support if they ever encounter problems during setup.