Washington Post Mandates Booster Shots for All Employees

New York Metropolitan Opera, NFL, and New York University Also Demand

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The Washington Post (WP), a leading American daily newspaper, has mandated COVID-19 booster shots for all employees. This measure comes as confirmed cases in the U.S. surge due to the spread of the Omicron variant ahead of the planned return to office early next year.

On the 16th (local time), WP announced in an internal email that "although 99% of all employees have already been vaccinated, as a preventive measure against the spread of COVID-19, all employees coming to the office must receive a booster shot starting January 31 next year," according to the New York Times.

WP is the first U.S. media company to add booster shots to its internal vaccination policy. WP stated, "The booster shot is a condition of employment," adding, "It must be received regardless of the office location, and employees must also undergo COVID-19 testing once a week."

Starting January 31 next year with managerial staff, WP plans to require all employees to work in the office at least three days a week from February 15. However, employees with children under five years old or those living with immunocompromised individuals may temporarily extend remote work.

In the U.S., companies mandating booster shots are emerging amid the spread of Omicron. The National Football League (NFL) requires coaches and staff to receive booster shots by the 27th, and those who do not comply will be assigned duties that do not involve direct contact with players.

This trend is particularly evident in New York City, which mandates vaccination for all private workplaces. The New York Metropolitan Opera requires booster shots for all employees and audience members starting January 17 next year. Other performance venues in New York, such as Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, are also considering mandating booster shots. New York University (NYU) has required all students and staff to receive additional vaccinations starting next semester.