Apple is dropping its mask mandates for corporate staff at “most areas,” in line with an inside e mail from the COVID-19 response workforce, obtained by The Verge.

“Don’t hesitate to proceed carrying a face mask when you really feel extra snug doing so,” the e-mail reads. “Additionally, please respect each particular person’s choice to put on a mask or not.”

The transfer comes amid a surge within the extremely transmissible BA.5 variant of COVID-19. Earlier this week, the Bay Space transit system BART introduced again its mask mandate.

Apple began requiring some staff to return to the workplace in April, however stopped brief of implementing its full hybrid mannequin, which might mandate three days of in-person work for all staff, each week.

Learn Apple’s inside e mail right here:

We’re writing to share an replace to our present protocols. In mild of present circumstances, carrying a face mask will now not be required in most areas. As at all times, please verify Welcome Ahead usually for particular requirements for your web site, together with these from native well being authorities, or any web site you could go to.

We acknowledge that everybody’s private circumstances are totally different. Don’t hesitate to proceed carrying a face mask when you really feel extra snug doing so. Additionally, please respect each particular person’s choice to put on a mask or not.

Thanks for all that you just do to help Apple’s COVID-19 well being and security protocols.

The COVID-19 Response Group