Spikes in cases of the coronavirus has led Apple to temporarily close 18 stores in five states.
Days after closing 11 stores in Arizona, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina, Apple confirmed to USA TODAY that it has also closed seven Houston area stores.
“Due to current COVID-19 conditions in some of the communities we serve, we are temporarily closing stores in these areas," Apple said in a statement. "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."
Save better, spend better: Money tips and advice delivered right to your inbox. Sign up here
In May, when Apple started reopening stores that were closed since March, the company warned "a store opening in no way means that we won't take the preventative step of closing it again should local conditions warrant."
Apple was one of the first retailers to close all of its U.S. stores in mid-March and is requiring shoppers to wear face coverings. it's also doing temperature checks and limiting capacity.
Curbside pickup expansion:Target to add fresh, frozen groceries to curbside pickup at stores across the nation
Is your GNC closing?:Retailer releases list of first stores to shutter in bankruptcy. See the list.
On Friday, Daniel Ives, an analyst with Wedbush Securities, applauded the temporary closures in a note to investors: "Apple needs to put the health of its employees and consumers ahead of selling iPhones in the stores."
“Apple re-closing stores after re-opening many of these stores over the past month is a worrisome trend that speaks to the volatility and fluidity of this COVID environment,” Ives wrote.
Apple stores temporarily closed
Apple says consumers can go to www.apple.com/retail for "help with an Apple product, more ways to shop, or additional information on our stores."
Arizona Apple store closings
Chandler Fashion Center: 3111 W Chandler Blvd., ChandlerScottsdale Fashion Square: 7014 East Camelback Road, Scottsdale Arrowhead: 7700 West Arrowhead Towne Center, GlendaleSanTan Village: 2218 E. Williams Field Road, GilbertScottsdale Quarter: 15169 North Scottsdale Road, ScottsdaleLa Encantada: 2905 East Skyline Drive, TucsonFlorida Apple store closings
Waterside Shops: 5555 Tamiami Trail North, NaplesCoconut Point: 23151 Fashion Drive, EsteroNorth Carolina Apple store closings
Southpark: 4400 Sharon Road, CharlotteNorthlake Mall: 6801 Northlake Mall Drive, CharlotteSouth Carolina Apple store closure
Haywood Mall: 700 Haywood Road, GreenvilleTexas Apple store closings
Highland Village: 4012 Westheimer Road, HoustonFirst Colony Mall: 16535 Southwest Freeway, Sugar LandHouston Galleria: 5085 Westheimer Road, HoustonMemorial City: 303 Memorial City, HoustonWillowbrook Mall: 2000 Willowbrook Drive, HoustonBaybrook Mall: 500 Baybrook Mall, FriendswoodThe Woodlands Mall: 1201 Lake Woodlands Drive, The WoodlandsCOVID-19 cancellation:7-Eleven cancels Free Slurpee Day because of coronavirus, but will still give away free frozen drinks in July
Coronavirus return policies:Store return policies have changed due to COVID-19 with some retailers suspending returns
Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko