Coronavirus spikes prompt Apple to re-close stores in Florida, Arizona, Carolinas

Tech giant reopened 70+ stores earlier this week

Apple said Friday it will be re-closing some stores in several states since the states have seen recent spikes in coronavirus cases as state lockdowns ease and testing efforts increase.

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The tech giant is closing stores in Florida, Arizona, North Carolina and South Carolina.

APPLE APP STORE SUPPORTED $519B IN ONLINE COMMERCE IN 2019

"Due to current COVID-19 conditions in some of the communities we serve, we are temporarily closing stores in these areas," an Apple spokesperson told FOX Business. "We take this step with an abundance of caution as we closely monitor the situation and we look forward to having our teams and customers back as soon as possible."

Customers shop at an Apple store in Shanghai, Sept. 7, 2019. (Alex Tai/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

The announcement comes as Apple has been gradually reopening stores across the country, with some enforcing stricter measures, like mandatory curbside/storefront pickup and appointments, and others offering in-store service. Employees and customers are required to wear masks and practice social distancing at all locations.

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The company said Tuesday it was reopening 70 more stores since it announced nationwide closures in March; half the 271 Apple stores in the U.S. have reopened as of this week.

"We are committed to reopening our stores in a very thoughtful manner with the health and safety of our customers and teams as our top priority, and we look forward to seeing our customers again soon," Apple said in a statement Tuesday.

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