In Nationally-Syndicated Chicago Tribune Article, Aimee Delaney Discusses Return-to-Work Policies in Context of Accelerating COVID-19 Vaccination Rates

April 15, 2021

Chicago-based partner Aimee Delaney was recently quoted in a Chicago Tribune article discussing how the ramp-up in COVID-19 vaccinations is moving up timelines for companies on the issue of bringing workers back to the office.

Delaney discussed the hot button issues of mandating the vaccine and whether employers can or should require proof that their workers have been vaccinated before returning to work. She noted that companies are facing a juggling act between protecting workers' privacy and allaying the fears of workers who are reluctant to work in an office and who may want to know whether people in the same meeting have been vaccinated. While the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has said that employers may require vaccinations, that is subject to exceptions, such as medical or religious reasons.

"Yes, you can ask for proof of vaccination, but you have to make sure you’re not getting any other health or disability information,” Delaney said. “You have be careful about asking why someone hasn’t been vaccinated, and you need to avoid implementing a policy that you haven’t fully thought through."

Read the article on the Chicago Tribune website (subscription may be required)

"COVID-19 vaccinations are accelerating, forcing CEOs to plot a return to the office sooner than expected. 'Yes, you can ask for proof'," was published by the Chicago Tribune on April 8, 2021.

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