LOS ANGELES (KNX) — In a major update to COVID protocols, Google announced Wednesday that it's returning to full operations in at least one major California region, two years after first implementing remote work.
Wednesday the company told KNX that, based on current conditions in the San Francisco Bay Area, some COVID protocols will be loosened.
"Throughout the pandemic, we've prioritized the health and safety of our workforce while providing greater choice and flexibility," Google said in a statement to KNX.
"We're giving employees who welcome the chance to come into the office the option to do that wherever we safely can, while allowing those who aren't ready to keep working from home."
What that means for employees is that offices in the Bay Area will return to full operations, opening up fitness centers, cafes, massage services and shuttles.
"Per local government regulations, wearing masks will only be required in our Santa Clara County offices," Google said. "Where conditions allow, including in the Bay Area, we’re lifting Google’s temporary weekly COVID-19 testing policy for those accessing our U.S. sites that was implemented in January. We continue to encourage testing for those who are symptomatic or have been at higher risk."
While protocols have loosened, Google told KNX that anyone accessing the work sites will need to be fully vaccinated for have approved accomodation.
In a statement to CNBC, the company said in addition to easing COVID protocols in the Bay area, it is no longer requiring COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment for workers in the United States.
As of Wednesday, Google said 30% of its Bay Area "Googlers" have returned to onsite work.
"We’re continuing to assess the latest data and local conditions to determine when we’re ready to start implementing the hybrid work week in our office locations," the company said.
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