Coronavirus: Microsoft to require COVID-19 vaccines for all US workers, vendors, office visitors

REDMOND, Wash. — Microsoft confirmed Tuesday that beginning in September all workers returning to the office must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, as well as all vendors and facility guests.

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The software company also set Oct. 4 as the earliest date for the full reopening of U.S. offices, KIRO-TV reported.

“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,” a Microsoft spokesperson told the TV station.

According to CNBC, 103,000 of Microsoft’s 181,000 employees, or roughly 60%, work in the United States.

Microsoft’s vaccination mandate comes a week after U.S. government agencies and other technology companies began adopting similar measures as the COVID-19 delta variant continues its unchecked nationwide spread, the network reported.

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Meanwhile, Google and Facebook both mandated on Friday that COVID-19 vaccines will be required of all employees as a condition for returning to their offices, Variety reported.

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According to KIRO-TV, accommodations will be made for employees with legitimate medical conditions or other “protected reasons” such as religious grounds.

Meanwhile, Microsoft also clarified that employees who serve as caregivers for immunosuppressed individuals or who are parents of children too young to receive the vaccine will be allowed to work from home until January, the TV station reported.

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