Apple again delays return to office

Apple is again delaying its planned return to the office after months of pushing back the date, a person familiar with the announcement told The Wall Street Journal.

Apple told employees on Wednesday that offices would not reopen as planned in February, but failed to give a future date for the move.

The company also announced that three retail stores in Florida, Maryland and Canada will be closed due to a spike in COVID-19 cases at the locations. 

“We regularly monitor conditions and we will adjust our health measures to support the wellbeing of customers and employees,“ Apple said in a statement, according to The Journal.

”We remain committed to a comprehensive approach for our teams that combines regular testing with daily health checks, employee and customer masking, deep cleaning and paid sick leave,” they added.

Apple has been cautious about COVID-19 and has delayed its return to the office several times as a result.

The company attempted to go back into the office in June and September and pushed back reopening dates to January and February, but each date has been canceled due to COVID-19 fears.

The cancellation to reopen the office in February comes amid heightened concerns around the world of the new omicron variant. 

The announcement also comes after Apple said all employees and customers will be required to wear masks in the stores regardless of vaccination status.

The Hill has reached out to Apple for comment.