Concerns over the prevalent Covid-19 Delta variant have caused Humana Inc. to postpone its mass office re-entry plans once more. Humana said in August that its Labor Day office reopening date would be moved to October 18. Humana said on Thursday that it will postpone re-entry until at least January 14, 2022.
- Facilities: Humana is “shifting our facilities re-entry date to after January 14, 2022,” according to Mark Taylor, head of financial and corporate communications. Due to the spread of the COVID-19 delta variant, a major Louisville employer with a strong downtown presence is shifting the goalposts for when its employees will return to work in offices.
- Concerns: “As infections and hospitalizations caused by the COVID-19 Delta variant continue to rise at alarming rates, and with many of our employees expressing their concern over returning to the office during this surge, we continue to take action to protect the health and safety of our associates, members, and communities,” Taylor wrote.
- Vaccination: Employees will also be given a little more leeway in terms of when they must be completely vaccinated or have a certified exemption, according to Taylor. After the Food and Drug Administration received complete approval for the first COVID-19 vaccine in August, Humana announced that many employees will have 60 days to submit proof of vaccination.
- Exemption: Now, Taylor said, employees who “will, at any point in the future, work outside of their home on behalf of Humana will need to be fully vaccinated or receive an approved exemption by Jan. 14, 2022.”Some groups may follow an accelerated timeline, and we will communicate those details directly,” he wrote.
- Statement: Humana’s statement about its return to its headquarters comes at a critical time for Kentucky in its fight against the coronavirus. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced on Thursday that there are just 93 intensive care unit beds available across the state.
