In Response to Omicron Spread
New York City Implements Mandatory Vaccination for Private Sector Employees
[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Apple Stores in New York City have begun blocking customer visits. This measure was taken in response to the surge in infections in New York City due to the Omicron variant.
According to U.S. media such as Bloomberg and Nine to Five Mac on the 27th (local time), Apple started restricting customer entry at Apple Stores in New York from that day.
The most central Apple stores in New York, including those on 5th Avenue, Grand Central, SoHo, and the World Trade Center, simultaneously cut off contact with customers.
Apple is said to provide pickup service only for pre-scheduled orders.
Apple recently responded by actively distributing masks to customers in accordance with New York City's mask-wearing regulations, but it is understood that they concluded they had no choice but to limit the influx of customers to prevent infections.
An Apple spokesperson explained the background of this measure, saying they are doing their best to protect employees. The spokesperson said, "We will adjust all store services to support the health of customers and employees."
During the year-end shopping season, Apple Stores were crowded with people every day. Even on the 26th, the day after Christmas, Apple stores were packed with customers. Apple employees were handing out masks at the entrance to those entering without masks, holding boxes of masks.
Nine to Five Mac predicted that more Apple Stores will stop accepting customers in the future. Apple had previously closed stores in Atlanta, Houston, New Hampshire, Miami, Maryland, and the Ottawa area in Canada.
On the 18th, an employee at the Apple flagship store on 5th Avenue in New York City is holding masks for customers while working. (Photo by Baek Jong-min)
Meanwhile, on the same day, New York City began enforcing a vaccine mandate for private company employees. All private employers must disclose whether their employees have received at least one vaccine dose through a form.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio emphasized, "New York has taken the strongest vaccine mandate measures in the U.S.," and stressed the need for nationwide vaccine mandates.
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul expressed concern that although daily new infection cases decreased due to reduced testing during the holidays, infections and hospitalizations among children are increasing. The total number of COVID-19 related hospitalizations across New York State is about 5,530, a 190% increase compared to early November.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
