Microsoft will “require proof of vaccination for all employees, vendors, and any guests entering Microsoft buildings in the US” starting at an unspecified date in September. The company also says it will delay the full re-opening of its offices from Sept. 7 until at least Oct. 4.
Microsoft issued the following statement:
“As we have done since the beginning of the pandemic, we continue to closely track new developments and adapt our plans as this situation evolves, keeping employee health and safety top of mind. Based on our continued consultation with health and data experts, our earliest date for the full opening of our U.S. worksites will be no earlier than October 4, 2021. Starting in September, we’ll also require proof of vaccination for all employees, vendors, and any guests entering Microsoft buildings in the U.S., and will have an accommodation process in place for employees. We continue to review the situation on a local basis in each region/country/state where we work and will adjust dates and policies as needed.”
There will be some exceptions. Microsoft says it will have an accommodation process in place for employees, and those with protected medical or religious exemptions won’t be subject to the new rule. Employees who care for people who can’t get the vaccine, such as the immunocompromised and children, can also work from home until January.
The vaccination requirement comes after Google, Netflix, and other tech companies announced similar policies in response to rising COVID-19 cases throughout the US. Several companies have also delayed the re-opening of their offices and, in Facebook and Apple’s cases, started to require face masks in their offices and retail stores once again.
