Amazon delays office return until January as COVID-19 cases surge

Amazon said it would not expect U.S. corporate employees to return to the office until next year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Seattle-based company said it was extending its work-from-home period to Jan. 3, 2022, from its earlier guidance of Sept. 7 for the United States and other countries it did not name, according to an internal note seen by Reuters.

“As we continue to closely watch local conditions related to COVID-19, we are adjusting our guidance for corporate employees,” the note said.

Amazon told Reuters its employees’ health was its top priority and it will keep adhering to local government guidance for a safe office return. It said it will require masks in offices except for staff who verify they are fully vaccinated.