The Cupertino, California-based technology giant also told
staff in recent weeks that it does not have access to vaccines and is not
providing shots itself to workers, the people said. They asked not to be
identified discussing private matters.
Since the pandemic began to spread last year, Apple has
offered paid time off to those with Covid-19 symptoms. Many corporate employees
are still working from home, but the company has gradually brought back retail
staff as Apple stores across the U.S. have reopened.
In California, where Apple has its main offices and more
than 50 stores, people over the age of 16 will be eligible for vaccination on
April 15, the state said last week. Many other states are also expanding
vaccine eligibility.
For its corporate offices, Apple is planning to have more
staff return as early as June, Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook told employees
in a town hall meeting at the end of 2020. He has been steadfast about staff
eventually returning to the office, but did hint at more flexibility.
“There’s no replacement for face-to-face collaboration, but
we have also learned a great deal about how we can get our work done outside of
the office without sacrificing productivity or results,” he told staff last
year. “When we’re on the other side of this pandemic, we will preserve
everything that is great about Apple while incorporating the best of our
transformations this year.”
Last week, Amazon.com Inc. started on-site vaccinations for
front line workers in its warehouses in Nevada, Kansas and Missouri, while some
airlines and hotel chains have also begun vaccinating employees.
Apple has been offering on-site Covid-19 testing for
employees returning to its offices and has also been providing mail-in testing
kits for both retail and corporate workers. Apple recently added a new feature
to its Maps app to help users find vaccination sites.
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