Google to require workers be vaccinated if returning to campus

Google is requiring workers to be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus if they are returning to work on the company’s campuses.

Chief Executive Sundar Pichai sent an email to employees on Wednesday announcing the vaccine requirement and saying the company’s global work-from-home program will be extended until Oct. 18.

The vaccine requirement is for anyone who is planning on returning to the office in the U.S. and will affect other countries in the coming months.

“The implementation will vary according to local conditions and regulations, and will not apply until vaccines are widely available in your area. You’ll get guidance from your local leads about how this will affect you, and we’ll also share more details on an exceptions process for those who cannot be vaccinated for medical or other protected reasons,” the email reads.

Google’s work-from-home policy may be extended again with employees notified of any changes 30 days in advance. Those with special circumstances can get an extension to work from home until the end of the year.

“I know that many of you continue to deal with very challenging circumstances related to the pandemic. While there is much that remains outside of our control, I’m proud of the way we continue to take care of each other while helping people, businesses and communities through these difficult times,” the email said.

Google’s announcement comes as the U.S. is seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases due to the delta variant, which is largely impacting the unvaccinated.