COVID-19

Individuals outside the state of California do not need to report cases. Employees in California with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 who have been on-site or participated in a work event or customer visit in the past 48 hours in California must confidentially inform Global OHS via email. Please include date of positive test, last date on campus, and alias of any close contacts. This will help Microsoft ensure it can assist employees with next steps and take measures that protect others, while also continuing to maintain confidentiality and protecting employees’ privacy. Employees do not need to contact Microsoft if they have not been on-site in California within 48 hours of a positive test or if they were on-site in a different location. This guidance will remain in place until February 3, 2026.

A supplier/vendor notified me of a positive COVID-19 case within one of their employees while on-site at Microsoft in California. What process do I follow?

If the employee was on-site in California within 48 hours prior to testing positive, the supplier or the Microsoft manager should email Global OHS with information about the case (date of test, last date on campus, and alias of any close contacts). The Microsoft response team will assist with next steps while also maintaining the external staff member's confidentiality.

Microsoft employees and guests do not need to show proof of vaccination, attest to a previous infection, or have an HR accommodation to enter a Microsoft worksite. We recommend employees stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines for those eligible or as recommended by their healthcare provider and/or public health authority as it helps ensure people are better protected against COVID-19 and severe outcomes.. Booster recommendations will vary by country and medical history. Even if an employee has had a COVID-19 infection, evidence shows that getting the COVID-19 vaccine provides added protection to their immune system. Employees should consult their local public health authority or healthcare provider to understand what is recommended for them.

 COVID-19 vaccines may be available at the Living Well Health Center on the Redmond campus, on a limited basis.

Influenza and COVID-19

Microsoft encourages employees and their loved ones to get vaccinated against the seasonal flu. The best way to reduce the risk of flu illness and its potentially serious complications is for everyone 6 months and older to get a flu vaccine each year. Doing so may protect people more vulnerable to serious flu complications.  Influenza vaccines may be available at the Living Well Health Center on the Redmond campus, on a limited basis.

Guidance following a COVID-19 infection may vary depending on an employee’s location, so employees should refer to their local public health authority for isolation and quarantine requirements. US employees outside the state of California can return to work after meeting the CDC’s guidance for isolation and quarantine: Coronavirus Self-Checker | CDC. It’s recommended to wear a well-fitting mask for at least 5 days following infection.

California workers should follow CalOSHA guidelines. If diagnosed with COVID-19, employees must remain out for a minimum of 24 hours following symptom onset, or the positive test if there are no symptoms. Employees may return to work if 24 hours have passed with no fever, without the use of fever-reducing medications, and their symptoms are mild and improving. Employees in California should mask for 10 days following the symptom onset OR from the first positive test.

At-home rapid antigen test kits are not covered by insurance but may be submitted for reimbursement via medical/health Flexible Spending Accounts or Health Savings Accounts. Testing at a health provider will be covered as per standard cost share.

Groups should not use their business budget to purchase tests for meetings or events. Procurement of COVID-19 testing or reimbursement occurs only through the medical plan, aligning with how Microsoft provides medical diagnostic testing to its employees.

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