Disney To Require Employees Be Vaccinated Against COVID-19
BURBANK (CBSLA) — The Walt Disney Co. announced Friday it will require all salaried and non-union hourly employees at all of its U.S. sites to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
The company has also begun talks regarding vaccination requirements with employee unions that have collective bargaining agreements.
"At The Walt Disney Co., the safety and well-being of our employees during the pandemic has been and continues to be a top priority," according to a statement from Disney. "Toward that end, and based on the latest recommendations of scientists, health officials and our own medical professionals that the COVID-19 vaccine provides the best protection against severe infection, we are requiring that all salaried and non-union hourly employees in the U.S. working at any of our sites be fully vaccinated.
"Employees who aren't already vaccinated and are working on-site will have 60 days from today (Friday) to complete their protocols and any employees still working from home will need to provide verification of vaccination prior to their return, with certain limited exceptions."
The company also said all new hires would be required to be fully vaccinated before their employment begins.
Meanwhile Friday, Disneyland began requiring all visitors aged 2 and up to wear masks in indoor theme park locations regardless of vaccination status.
"This includes upon entering and throughout many attractions and in enclosed transportation vehicles, including shuttles and buses," Disney said in a Thursday announcement.
The policy change came as coronavirus cases were on the rise in the U.S.
(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)