Yes, this is true. CNN has fired three employees for violating the network’s coronavirus policy by coming into the office unvaccinated.
Several US media outlets have obtained CNN’s internal memo emailed to staff Thursday. CNN President said in the past week, the company became aware of three employees who came to work unvaccinated. Jeff Zucker added the company has “terminated” the three staffers.
“Let me be clear — we have a zero-tolerance policy on this,” he said in snippets of the memo tweeted by CNN media reporter Oliver Darcy.
His memo did not specify the fired employees’ names, positions, or office locations, said AFP. CNN did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
The network had been relying on an honor system that required workers to be jabbed. But did not demand they show proof. But Zucker said that may change going forward.
Inoculations are mandatory for anyone reporting in the field, working with any other employees, or entering the offices, said in the memo.
The US government made it legal for employers to require staff, physically entering the workplace, should get jabs against COVID-19. They announced it in May.
Tech giants including Facebook, Google, and Microsoft also asked employees to get jabs before returning to their US offices.
Surge in COVID-19 cases
They are among several major US employers that have recently revised their virus policies, vaccine mandates, or return-to-office dates as the fast-spreading Delta variant fuels another surge of COVID-19 cases.
In his note to staff, Zucker said CNN will postpone its company-wide September 7 return-to-office date likely until some time in October.
Roughly one-third of the network’s American newsroom staff are currently using the offices on a voluntary basis, he said.
Recently, thousands of Pakistanis are thronging coronavirus vaccination centers daily. Why? Because officials announced penalties for the unvaccinated people. They also threatened them with blocked cell phones and barred access to offices, restaurants, shopping malls, and transport.
Get yourself vaccinated today as the process to do so is simple. And, don’t forget to get your COVID-19 vaccination certificate online!
What do you think of this story? Let us know in the comments section below.
