Microsoft Requires Anyone Entering Its Building Show Vaccine Certificate, But There Are Exceptions

JAKARTA - Microsoft has announced to employees that anyone entering Microsoft buildings in the US starting in September must present proof of vaccination. Employees who have medical conditions or protected reasons, such as religion, that prevent them from getting vaccines, can get special accommodations.

The company has also pushed the full office reopening date from September to “no earlier than October 4, 2021”.

Here is the company's full statement, shared with The Verge:

“As we have been doing since the start of the pandemic, we continue to monitor new developments and adjust our plans as the situation develops, while keeping the health and safety of employees first.

Based on our ongoing consultations with health and data experts, our earliest date for the full opening of our US work sites is no earlier than October 4, 2021. Starting September, we will also require proof of vaccination for all employees, vendors, and any guests who enter a Microsoft building in the US and will have an accommodation process for employees.

We continue to review the situation locally in each region/country/state where we work and will adjust dates and policies as needed”.

"Staff caring for people who are immunosuppressed or parents with children who are too young to get the vaccine will be able to work from home through January", a Microsoft source told The Verge.

Microsoft's announcement follows a spike in COVID-19 cases across the country and stricter policies imposed by other tech companies.

Facebook also requires all US employees to wear masks in the office and all employees vaccinated against COVID-19 when they return to the office. Facebook hopes to fully reopen in October.

Google will also require employees to be vaccinated before they can return to work and has postponed their return until October 18.