Apple temporarily closes its Philadelphia store in response to protests

Reported by Michael Steeber from 9to5Mac, Apple has temporarily closed its location at Walnut Street in Philadelphia. According to Steeber, the location has been closed, not in response to a COVID-19 concern, but out of precaution from the tension between protestors and police in the city.

"Apple Walnut Street is closed — this isn't due to COVID, but precautionary because of the tension in Philadelphia. The store hasn't even been fully repaired from summer's damage."

The tension between protestors and police in Philadelphia occurred after the fatal police shooting of Walter Wallace Jr. According to a report from CBS, the police reported that 81 people were arrested on Tuesday night alone. Other stores in the city have also closed as a precautionary measure against damage and looting.

If you visit the Apple Walnut Street page on Apple's website, you'll notice that it is currently listed as "temporarily closed." Steeber notes that the location, as of its closing, was still undergoing repairs from damage it sustained over the summer during the George Floyd protests.

Most of Apple's retail locations are now open in the United States, but some still remain closed due to COVID-19 precautions. Others, though open, require appointments or are operating under an "Express" format where customers can purchase products at a window.