With COVID-19 infection rates declining and vaccinations increasing, Facebook is tentatively planning to reopen its Bay Area offices starting May 10 at 10 percent seated capacity, according to a company notice to employees.
“As long as health data and government guidance allows,” Facebook says it plans to reopen one office per week: Menlo Park on May 10; Fremont on May 17; Sunnyvale on May 24; Burlingame on June 1; and San Francisco on July 12.
According to Facebook, the first step of reopening is geared specifically to support workers struggling to work remotely, such as those who feel isolated or have home environments that are not ideal for remote work.
Facebook said it will follow government guidance and is prepared to close down an office abruptly if needed.
On Thursday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom expressed optimism in the battle against COVID-19, saying close to 16 million vaccine doses have been administered in the state — the sixth most in the world — including 2.5 million in the last seven days. With vaccine supplies increasing sooner than anticipated, the state is set to open eligibility for vaccines to everyone in state who is 50 years and older starting April 1, followed by everyone who is 16 and over on April 15. Newsom called the scenario a “bright light at the end of the tunnel.”
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