Google is now dropping its COVID-19 vaccine requirement for its employees returning to office work in the United States.
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 31: A sign is posted in front of a building on the Google campus on January 31, 2022 in Mountain View, California. Google parent company Alphabet will report fourth quarter earnings on Tuesday after the closing bell. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Google Drop COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate
As per a news story by CNBC, Google is changing its stance regarding its COVID-19 policies, relaxing it before its workforce starts to return to their offices.
Meanwhile, according to a recent report by The Verge, the search engine giant initially said last June 2021 that it would be requiring its employees to get their COVID-19 jabs before heading back to the offices of Google.
In December 2021, the tech firm reportedly issued a memo to its employees, laying out its strict requirement of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Back then, Google said that those who would not get their jabs could be fired eventually after being forced to take a leave.
However, this time around, a report from CNBC confirmed to a spokesperson of Google that the tech giant is dropping its COVID-19 vaccine requirement for its employees in the US.
That said, contrary to the bold stance of Google last December, it seems that the tech giant is now more relaxed about the matter.
Google Relaxes COVID-19 Policies
On top of that, the news story of CNBC even included a company memo that was signed by the Vice President of real estate and workplace services of Google, David Radcliffe himself, saying that the company is lifting its vaccine policies.
As such, the memo further clarified that Google would no longer require vaccinated folks to present a negative COVID-19 molecular test result to enter its premises.
However, the note from Radcliffe stated that those who are still unvaccinated would still have to subscribe to some health protocols that Google has in place. It includes the need for a negative COVID-19 test and they are still required to wear their masks.
What's more, the Google memo also announced that some of the leisurely amenities of its facilities are reopening after closing down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For instance, the fitness centers of the tech giant are now reopening their doors sans the need for any appointments.
Aside from that, Google is also gearing up to open up "all informal places" in its premises, such as massage chairs, game rooms, and lounges.
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No More Mask Mandates?
As per a report by CNET, Google also said relaxing both its mask and distancing mandate for its offices, which would still be following the local COVID rules.
A picture taken on November 20, 2017 shows logos of US multinational technology company Google displayed on computers' screens. /
However, it is worth noting that those that have yet to get their COVID jab will have to wear their face mask inside the Google premises.
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Written by Teejay Boris
