Apple Details Safety Measures When Reopening Apple Retail Stores, Including Curbside Pickup and Drop-off Option

[fishkorp]

So are you still allowed to walk in (after getting your mask, temperature checked, and answering the questions) and mess around with the devices? Or are they only opening up the stores for Genius Bar appointments and in-store pickups? The article made it sound like they weren't intending on people walking in just to play with the devices.

Even if open for browsing, considering the rest of what they’re doing I’d be shocked if they let people just touch and play with things. Maybe in a 1-on-1 setting where it is immediate sanitized after. No stores of any kind near me have any electronics on display that people can touch. Target, Walmart, etc all pulled interactive display models.

 

[kahwatter]

Any store that makes me wear a mask is a store I won’t shop in anymore. And a freaking temperature check to get inside?! Why would you have to wear a mask to shop at Apple but not at a grocery store or WALMART?? This whole thing is so ludicrous and I can’t believe what has happened to society.

Because Walmart is trash and doesn’t care about people. Because Grocery stores don’t require you to be talking or near someone for more than a minute at a time. At an Apple Store you are working with a Specialist for minutes to an hour at times. And at a Grocery store you have checkout lanes which are already being set 6 feet apart.

 

[Yr Blues]

What I don't understand about temp-checks is that you could have a cold from a myriad of other colds/flus. What do they do when they find out you're over the threshold? Does the Amber Alert go off?

 

[MissKMA]

Even if open for browsing, considering the rest of what they’re doing I’d be shocked if they let people just touch and play with things. Maybe in a 1-on-1 setting where it is immediate sanitized after. No stores of any kind near me have any electronics on display that people can touch. Target, Walmart, etc all pulled interactive display models.

No, you will not be allowed in if you just want to browse. You will only be allowed in if making a purchase, Genius Bar reservation or pickups.
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So are you still allowed to walk in (after getting your mask, temperature checked, and answering the questions) and mess around with the devices? Or are they only opening up the stores for Genius Bar appointments and in-store pickups? The article made it sound like they weren't intending on people walking in just to play with the devices.

Nope. You will only be allowed in if you are making a purchase, have a GB reservation or if you are picking up.
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[dwaltwhit]

Both of the locations in my town are in malls. Will they have curbside?

 

[NavySilver]

I will visit my local Apple Stores soon to restock on masks. I'm sure if I asked politely they will give me more than one.

 

[2010lexus]

There’s nothing new here. This is what grocery stores are already doing.

really I haven't had my semi

There’s nothing new here. This is what grocery stores are already doing.

Really I haven't been in a store yet that takes temps or ask health questions. I won't be going to an apple store if they ask health questions. My health is none of their business.

 

[Aeryn]

Does anyone know how the 14 day return policy will work for those that purchased stuff awhile ago with these staggered openings?

Since the current policy is "You can also return your product to an Apple Store within 14 days of the store's reopening" it will be interesting to see how/if Apple judges geographic proximity. If the store 10 miles away opens on 6/1 but the store 60 miles away, in a different county/state, opens 7/1, can I return something to the more distant store or are they going to tell me I should have gone to my local store?

And what happens if I live in a border city (county/state/country) and the store in my "defined" area (same county/state) opens first but it's actually further away than the cross-border store that opens later?

Gonna get interesting.

 

[ghanwani]

Not everywhere. No grocery stores are taking temps in my area (CA), only some chains are requiring masks, and they gave up on occupancy limits a few weeks ago.

Yes, you are right in that they don't do temperature checks. My physiotherapist's office does that. In addition, they require washing hands as soon as you get there and before leaving.

Just as they are providing masks (which my local Whole Foods does) Apple should probably provide sanitizer for use before and after folks handle their machines.

 

[TheSkywalker77]

Even if open for browsing, considering the rest of what they’re doing I’d be shocked if they let people just touch and play with things. Maybe in a 1-on-1 setting where it is immediate sanitized after. No stores of any kind near me have any electronics on display that people can touch. Target, Walmart, etc all pulled interactive display models.

That makes sense, I figured that was the case.

 

[Professor Rucy]

What I don't understand about temp-checks is that you could have a cold from a myriad of other colds/flus. What do they do when they find out you're over the threshold? Does the Amber Alert go off?

Apple is opening up a liability nightmare. And risking harm to their employees when they refuse entry to a customer. Or, even worse, if they allow a customer that doesn’t show symptoms and sickens everyone.

And what is the point of ANY of this if their contact tracing software is supposed to alert everyone in the store that a potentially infected person is nearby anyway???

 

[I7guy]

Apple is opening up a liability nightmare. And risking harm to their employees when they refuse entry to a customer. Or, even worse, if they allow a customer that doesn’t show symptoms and sickens everyone.

And is the point of ANY of this if their contact tracing software is supposed to alert everyone in the store that a potentially infected person is nearby anyway???

Apple hopefully will have security. I don’t think there is any “liability nightmare” as you put it. The liability runs with admitting a customer with COVID-19. As far as the contact tracing app...the person with the infection has to register it and the others have to have notifications turned on. It’s an opt-in system. Apple has thought this process through.

 

[Clix Pix]

Any store that makes me wear a mask is a store I won’t shop in anymore. And a freaking temperature check to get inside?! Why would you have to wear a mask to shop at Apple but not at a grocery store or WALMART?? This whole thing is so ludicrous and I can’t believe what has happened to society.

You must not live in an area where there is still a lot going on with regard to the virus and its spread; grocery stores here prefer that customers wear a mask (I'm not sure that it is absolutely required, though), and I am perfectly willing to go with that, as after all I do need to eat and I do need to buy food..... I don't go to Walmart, not my kind of store, so no idea of what they are or are not requiring. I haven't been anywhere but my local grocery store (and the post office once) in the past two months so I haven't run into a situation where someone checks my temperature before I enter the premises. I have no reason to object to that if it is deemed necessary...... Today's contactless digital infrared-type thermometers are a whole lot more comfortable and faster than the old-fashioned mercury thermometers we stuck in our mouths!

 

[Yr Blues]

Apple is opening up a liability nightmare. And risking harm to their employees when they refuse entry to a customer. Or, even worse, if they allow a customer that doesn’t show symptoms and sickens everyone.

And what is the point of ANY of this if their contact tracing software is supposed to alert everyone in the store that a potentially infected person is nearby anyway???

How about the supposed thousands of people that have it and never show any symptoms and develop herd immunity? They're actually benefitting society.

And how does anyone know that they're getting the sickness from an employee or the product itself? This is a boogieman nightmare.

People should treat it like we do any extra severe flu season. Go on living life.

 

[KPOM]

I always wonder what is the point of temperature reading. One can always suppress/mask out fever with Tylenol. So what does no high fever prove? Also, COVID-19 is asymptomatic. So you could be positive and is touring Apple Store days before you show symptoms. I think all these procedures are just for show, to appease our superficial anxieties. Requiring everyone to wear masks, alcohol wipes, 6ft separation, high ceiling, constantly circulating air flow upward/outward... these are more tangible, realistic measures.

Nothing is foolproof, but it’s entirely possible that people don’t even know they have a fever. That’s why we use thermometers in the first place. Better to identify the symptomatic than no one at all.
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You must not live in an area where there is still a lot going on with regard to the virus and its spread; grocery stores here prefer that customers wear a mask (I'm not sure that it is absolutely required, though), and I am perfectly willing to go with that, as after all I do need to eat and I do need to buy food..... I don't go to Walmart, not my kind of store, so no idea of what they are or are not requiring. I haven't been anywhere but my local grocery store (and the post office once) in the past two months so I haven't run into a situation where someone checks my temperature before I enter the premises. I have no reason to object to that if it is deemed necessary...... Today's contactless digital infrared-type thermometers are a whole lot more comfortable and faster than the old-fashioned mercury thermometers we stuck in our mouths!

I’m OK wearing a mask, though I understand why people might think it is just TSA-style security theatre. It is more likely to prevent you from spreading than from catching it from others. But Asian countries have contained Covid better than North America or Europe, and masks are more common there, so we might as well try it here.

 

[Matt Leaf]

Went on the weekend here in Australia. Apple stores have never been so spacious. One of the staff will basically look after you while in store. I pretty much bought what I was after and didn't hang long, but did get to eyeball the new Mac Pro and XDR display. Waited for probably half an hour out the front and was given a mask, and they pretty much escort the whole process checking out what you're after while you wait in line, and the option of sanitizer on the way out. Apple are quite fortunate at having such spacious stores to start with. A lot of other stores in the same mall had similar lines and health options. The new norm for the meantime it seems..

 

[Cobalt50]

Well, at least the Apple stores won't be so friggin' crowded anymore. It drove me crazy. I have a MacBook that definitely needs a repair. But I will do that through the package system. I'm not sure if their repair facilities are open though. I can't send it in for a month or so. I need one week turnaround. As for the temp check and the questionnaire, I'm not sure about that. That seems to be medical facility level stuff. Medical facilities need that because, you know, sick people go there. You would expect a COVID person to go there.

 

[jonpodner]

Apple Senior Vice President of Retail & People Deidre O'Brien today published a letter regarding Apple's approach on the reopening of retail stores. O'Brien mentioned that over 100 stores globally have already reopened their doors.

The letter notes that when a store does reopen, face coverings will be required for both Apple employees and customers. Apple will also be providing face coverings to those who do not bring their own.

In addition to face coverings, temperature checks will be taken at store entrances and posted health questions will help in screening one who may have been exposed to COVID-19. O'Brien also mentions that deep cleaning on surfaces, display products, and highly trafficked areas will take place frequently throughout the day.

Customers who do enter Apple's retail stores will have "plenty of space," according to O'Brien. Apple will be limiting occupancy in each store, which will help in renewing Apple's focus on "one-on-one, personalized service at the Genius Bar and throughout the store."

O'Brien also details Apple's approach to serving its customers more effectively. As an alternative to entering some physical stores, customers can expect to see curb-side pickup and drop off options. As usual, customers can continue to place orders online for an at home delivery. After opening its first US stores last week, Apple will continue to reopen its US stores on a gradual basis.

Article Link: Apple Details Safety Measures When Reopening Apple Retail Stores, Including Curbside Pickup and Drop-off Option

I have a medical condition! So what am I supposed to do?? I can’t wear nor will I wear a mask!!

 

[paulvee]

Any store that makes me wear a mask is a store I won’t shop in anymore. And a freaking temperature check to get inside?! Why would you have to wear a mask to shop at Apple but not at a grocery store or WALMART?? This whole thing is so ludicrous and I can’t believe what has happened to society.

I understand that you don’t care about the common good. Stores make you wear pants and shirts, but are you going to protest? Your behavior is despicable.

 

[Clix Pix]

Nothing is foolproof, but it’s entirely possible that people don’t even know they have a fever. That’s why we use thermometers in the first place. Better to identify the symptomatic than no one at all.
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I’m OK wearing a mask, though I understand why people might think it is just TSA-style security theatre. It is more likely to prevent you from spreading than from catching it from others. But Asian countries have contained Covid better than North America or Europe, and masks are more common there, so we might as well try it here.

To be honest, I would be much, much happier and more comfortable NOT wearing a mask, as it does present some challenges, but I understand the rationale behind the recommendations that we wear them and am willing to do that if it means that I'm somewhat protecting others from me and any germs that I might have, and that those who are wearing masks, too, are protecting me from whatever might be lurking in their own bodies..... If this helps to keep down the virus and prevent it from spreading, I'm all for that!

 

[mi7chy]

Temperature check is placebo for asymptomatic carriers.

 

[Mo Schmo]

I have a medical condition! So what am I supposed to do?? I can’t wear nor will I wear a mask!!

well then i'd assume they will offer another option such as mail for repairs and phone and chat options for sales and service

 

[CarlJ]

I think temperature checks, in general, are interesting. I wonder how many people have a normal body temp below 98.6. The frequent upper limit I see for denied entrance is 100.4, or 1.8 above "normal". My normal is 96.9 so 1.8 above my normal won't even flag on temperature check.

There's a lot of people here (not necessarily you) going on about "but it won't catch everyone, for reason X or Y, so therefore it's pointless" - that's black&white thinking. Reality is shades of gray. The temperature checks don't have to catch everyone. It would certainly be ideal if we could tell with 100% accuracy who all the sick people are, but all we really need to do to defeat the virus is to get the R0 number (number of new people that each infected person infects) substantially below 1.0. Preventing a few infections at Apple stores, across the world, is Apple doing their part. Just as having everyone wearing masks and doing social distancing also plays a part. Simply having the temperature checking station in front of the store will, statistically, likely cause a few people who feel a little sick but still really want a new iPhone (or whatever) to think twice and decide to not visit the store (maybe they order online instead). It has a positive effect even if they don't actually end up having to turn anyone away at the door.

It's defense in depth, just like with computers - you don't depend entirely on one single security feature and forsake all others, you have layers of security, with the knowledge that some may fail, but others will work. Masks, temperature checks, social distancing, curbside pickup, cashless payments, and a myriad of internal procedure changes to keep the employees safe - these are all just a bunch of small pieces of the defense plan.

 

[Professor Rucy]

I understand that you don’t care about the common good. Stores make you wear pants and shirts, but are you going to protest? Your behavior is despicable.

I suspect some governor (my guess is Michigan, if betting) may soon decide that not wearing a mask is grounds for indecent exposure, akin to not wearing shirts or pants.

That would cut out the despicable behavior that people like paulvee here abhor.

 

[jonpodner]

well then i'd assume they will offer another option such as mail for repairs and phone and chat options for sales and service

That would be considered discrimination then. Because I’m being treated differently because if my medical condition. it’s illegal.