As Some Apple Stores Reopen, Here’s What to Expect
After months of isolation, the first wave of businesses and public spaces reopens.A small batch of Apple Stores are some of the first businesses to reopen, and while that means it will soon be easier for you to get your broken iPhone or MacBook repaired, there are some limitations you need to be aware of before you leave. to the nearest Apple Store.
Limited space and occupancy
Firstly, at the moment only a few stores are open – about 100 locations around the world – and further opening depends on local conditions. Stores in rural communities and districts where there are few or no confirmed cases of COVID-19 are likely to open soon; branches in major cities and areas hit hard by the pandemic will take longer to resume operations. Many stores will limit the number of customers allowed at the same time so that physical distancing can be safely enforced and customers are given due consideration. This means some of us will have to wait in line to get our Apple products fixed.
Personal protective equipment and etiquette
As with any public place, follow these general personal safety rules if you need to go to the Apple Store (or any other public place):
- For the foreseeable future, all Apple Store buyers will be required to wear a mask and gloves. All Apple employees will also wear them, and in some cases will conduct business behind protective glass partitions.
- Customers need to measure the temperature before entering the store.
- Keep your distance in line and at the store.
- Carry personal hygiene products such as hand sanitizer with you.
- Properly (and safely) wash your hands and devices before and after visiting.
- Observe any other restrictions and guidelines in your city.
- Oh, and if you get sick, just stay home.
Don’t leave if you don’t need to
You can find nearby open Apple Stores using Apple’s Find Store tool , however, please do not rush to the nearest store unless absolutely necessary.
Don’t drive around your state just because you want to pick up a new device from a store – you can always buy a new product from an Apple online store or other online retailers. Likewise, only visit a repair shop if that’s your only option. There are many great guides to easy fixes that you can safely perform on your phone or laptop at home, including our recent guide to fix your own cracked iPhone screen during quarantine .
While I sympathize with the desire for a semblance of normality, there is still a long way to go before something like “normal” can return, and the more careful we are now, the less we will have to worry in the future.