Google drops COVID-19 vaccine requirements for employees in the U.S.

Google LLC has announced that its U.S.-based employees are no longer required to be vaccinated against the Coronavirus. Back in December, Google had planned to wait till 2022 to decide upon whether to resume office work.

The search engine giant has now revealed that its employees will be informed 30-days prior regarding their expected in-person return. Plans for hybrid working have also been outlined, according to which most employees are anticipated to be in the office at least thrice a week.

Google spokesperson Lora Lee Erickson was quoted stating that the company is not enforcing vaccination mandates as an employment condition for U.S. employees. However, vaccination policy that requires individuals accessing the Google sites to have vaccination proof will continue to stay in effect.

Erickson further claimed that only workers at Santa Clara County facility will need to wear masks in the office, adding that these rules are critical for ensuring the safety of the workforce and keeping the services running.

Meanwhile, it has also been speculated that Google is relaxing COVID-19 policies related to its famed amenities. The firm will be restoring full shuttle service, reopening fitness centers with no prior appointment, adding more places for free breakfast & lunches, and opening informal spaces like game rooms, music rooms, lounges, as well as massage chairs.

David Radcliffe, VP for Real Estate & Workplace Services at Google, stated that the vaccinated staff will not have a negative COVID-19 molecular test anymore to enter the premises. On the contrary, non-vaccinated workers who have authorized entry into offices will have to follow additional protocols, such as wearing a mask and testing.

Following similar events, Apple too has alleviated its COVID-19 policies, further allowing customers to skip wearing masks at its retail stores. It is also anticipated that the iPhone maker may drop the mask mandates for all its retail employees in the upcoming weeks.

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https://www.theverge.com/2022/2/23/22948219/google-covid-19-vaccine-mandate-employees-mask-policy