A multinational resources company will delay locking out employees who are unvaccinated against the pandemic.
Anglo American recently postponed the deadline for its 5500-strong workforce to be immunised against coronavirus (COVID-19).
This means employees and contractors can keep doing their jobs at mine sites, offices and camps without fear of being barred until at least 31 May 2022. The original deadline was March 1 before being extended to the 31st.
Metallurgical coal CEO Tyler Mitchelson revealed Anglo originally introduced the mandate when the Delta variant was more widespread back in late 2021.
“The context of COVID-19 continues to shift. In recent months, medical information has become available that demonstrates the Omicron COVID-19 variant is less severe in terms of illness, hospitalisations and mortality rates than previous variants,” he said according to News Limited.
The remarks fuelled media speculation about the employer potentially removing the vaccine mandate altogether.
“We will consider updated medical information in revised risk assessments to be conducted across our sites and the Brisbane office,” Mitchelson said according to the media outlet.
“Our intention is to continue to put in place the most appropriate and effective controls to help protect our people and communities from COVID-19, based on expert medical advice.”
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