Google is relaxing some vaccination, masking, and social distancing requirements for its U.S. employees.
Google Real Estate and Workplace Services Vice President David Radcliffe first told San Francisco Bay Area employees in an email that requirements surrounding masking, vaccines, and testing would be rolled back, and Google spokeswoman Lora Lee Erickson told CNBC that vaccination is no longer a condition for employment. According to her, the company dropped the requirement in January.
Previously, the tech giant had a deadline of Jan. 18 for employees to get vaccinated or file an exemption. This new announcement comes nearly two years since the company sent its employees home full-time.
“Unvaccinated employees who are approved to enter offices will still need to follow additional protocols, including testing and wearing a mask,” Radcliffe said.
According to Erickson, vaccines will still be required for “any individuals accessing our sites, because it’s one of the most important ways we can keep our workforce safe and keep our services running.”
600-PLUS GOOGLE EMPLOYEES SIGN MANIFESTO OPPOSING COMPANY VACCINE MANDATE
Prior to Google lifting the restrictions, hundreds of employees signed a document opposing the company’s mandate.
“Barring unvaccinated Googlers from the office publicly and possibly embarrassingly exposes a private choice as it would be difficult for the Googler not to reveal why they cannot return,” it read.
There is no date set for a mandated return to the office, but Radcliffe announced that certain amenities are returning. He said the fitness center, massage spa, and restaurants are open in the building.
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The city of San Francisco boasts a vaccination rate of 83%, with a seven-day rolling average of 184 cases a day.
