Google will no longer require US employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19

Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge

According to CNBC, workers in the US no longer have to bevaccinated against COVID-19. As it prepares to have employees return to its offices, the company is making a number of changes to its policies.

The company sent a memo to employees in December telling them that if they didn't apply for an exemption, they would be forced to take leave or be fired. It appears that the company has adjusted its vaccine policy after a CNBC report said that vaccines were no longer required for US employees.

A request for comment was not immediately replied to.

CNBC shared details from a memo sent to staff by David Radcliffe, the VP of real estate and workplace services. Unvaccinated employees who are approved to enter offices will still need to follow additional protocols, including testing and wearing a mask.

CNBC reports that Google is relaxing its policies.

Radcliffe also wrote that the company is reopening amenities like fitness centers without appointment and massages; restoring full shuttle service; adding more places to eat free breakfast and lunch; and opening “all informal spaces” such as lounges, game rooms, music rooms, and massage chairs.

In December, the company said it would wait until 2022, to determine its return-to-office plans. When employees are expected to come back in person, they will be given a 30-day heads up. Most employees will be expected to be in the office three days per week in a hybrid work week.

Apple has dropped mask requirements for customers shopping at its retail stores in several states. Mark Gurman said on his verified account that Apple may drop the requirement for retail employees to wear masks as early as two weeks.