Coronavirus (COVID-19) resource page

V Teamers, use this site for information about health, response plans, policy changes and job safety.

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What you should know

Information about Monkeypox

[New 8.16.22]

Media reporting related to monkeypox has increased in the recent week after federal and state governments increased funding for vaccines, therapeutics, and other immediate needs related to the most recent outbreak. We wanted to let you know we are tracking the developments related to this situation from an occupational safety and health perspective.

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. The latest research regarding the spread of the virus indicates that the primary means of transmission is through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact with an infected person’s rash, scabs, or body fluids. A limited subset of transmissions have occurred through contact with intimate objects and high-touch fabrics as well as respiratory secretions. The virus is not spread by casual contact.

More information about monkeypox, including signs and symptoms, can be found on the CDC's website or by talking to your healthcare provider.

We encourage you to continue to follow all safety protocols applicable to your position, including our existing in-store cleaning protocols for our retail stores If you are unsure about any of those protocols, please talk to your supervisor or contact EHS.

We will continue to monitor the latest developments and guidance from health and regulatory agencies on monkeypox and will communicate, if necessary, any updates to the existing safety protocols. Your safety remains our top priority.

Vaccines

[Updated 2.9.22]

There are currently three COVID-19 vaccines that the FDA has authorized for use in the U.S. and these are now available to all V Teamers. These vaccines and others have also been authorized for use in countries outside of the U.S.

Because each state and country is handling the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines differently, employees should follow local and state guidelines to make sure they have the latest information.

When your vaccination appointment is during work hours.

Employees should attempt to plan vaccination appointments outside of their work schedule. However, we recognize that some V Teamers may receive an appointment that conflicts with their work schedule.

With that constraint in mind, Verizon employees who need time off from work for a COVID-19 vaccination appointment can request the time they need (up to 4 hours paid) to get the first dose and then again request the time they need (up to 4 hours paid) for vaccines requiring a second dose. Additional time off (up to 4 hours paid) will also be granted for vaccine booster shots, as needed.

In advance of a scheduled vaccination appointment, employees will work with their supervisors, or resource management teams where applicable, who will make every effort to allow employees to take the time they reasonably request (up to 4 hours) to attend their own vaccination appointments, consistent with the needs of the business. Employees who use this time may be asked to provide documentation of their vaccination appointment.

Please note, requests for vaccination time only applies to Verizon employees who have appointments to be vaccinated that conflict with their work schedules. If an employee wants to take time away from work to assist a family member with a COVID-19 vaccination, they can follow the normal process in their workgroup to request time off.

In the event any law, regulation, or policy provides paid time to receive vaccinations, we will of course comply, and the paid vaccination time available under this program will coordinate so as not to be duplicative.

As vaccine availability becomes more prevalent in different areas, we will discontinue paid COVID-19 vaccination time and encourage everyone who has not already been vaccinated to do so outside of their work schedule or to use other available paid time off, such as personal days.

Update On the Federal Vaccination Requirements

On September 9, 2021, the U.S. government announced new vaccination requirements. This included an executive order requiring all federal contractors, like Verizon, to have their workforce vaccinated. This executive order has been blocked by a temporary injunction issued by a federal appeals court. Additionally, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) within the federal Department of Labor communicated an emergency temporary vaccination requirement that applies to all companies with 100 or more employees. This emergency temporary requirement was blocked by an injunction issued by the Supreme Court on January 13, 2022 and has been withdrawn by OSHA.

The nationwide requirement for current employees to be vaccinated remains suspended. Local vaccination requirements remain in effect in some locations, including New York City and apply to our employees working in those areas. Employees who have been asked to submit their vaccination status must continue to do so by the applicable deadlines previously communicated.

We will continue to monitor developments regarding vaccination requirements and will keep you updated. If you are not already vaccinated, we encourage you to get vaccinated right away. As a reminder, employees can use up to 4 hours paid time to get a vaccine shot. If you are accessing a Verizon worksite, you must continue to use the RTO tool and comply with our face covering policy.

Citizen Verizon in action, for citizens everywhere.

As partners with the Ad Council’s COVID-19 Awareness Campaign, the Health Action Alliance, and Global Citizen, we encourage everyone to access accurate information, facts and data about COVID-19 vaccines to make the most informed decision for their personal well-being. The Ad Council provides transparent information and invests in educating our communities in an equitable and inclusive way.

Here are some resources with additional information about the COVID-19 vaccines and how we are supporting global COVID-19 recovery efforts.

 

Our response

Updates to our COVID-19 protocols

[Updated 4.15.22]

We are still navigating COVID-19 and as part of our response, we continue to assess our procedures and adjust our policies as needed. This includes updating our quarantine policy.

Effective May 2, 2022, we are updating the quarantine policy for employees who were previously vaccinated but have yet to receive a booster. This means that effective May 2, if an employee in the U.S. who is not up-to-date on vaccinations is exposed to COVID-19 but remains asymptomatic, any quarantine will be unpaid. Employees can use PTO or submit for an accommodation. If employees are unwell or have any symptoms, our pay policies still apply.

Any changes for our international team members will be advised on a country-by-country basis.

Crisis Management

Regional Crisis Management Teams in our APAC and EMEA regions were activated when the outbreak emerged, through May 2022. Teams are prepared to reengage if needed in the future. In addition, Corporate Security participated in U.S. State Department and CDC updates, and EHS attended business forums where Fortune 50 companies shared best practice information about responding to the outbreak.

Monitoring

A cross-functional team is continuously monitoring information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as tracking news reports and governmental policies in all areas where Verizon has operations and conducts business. The team is keeping executive leadership up to date. The company is taking into account the recommendations of the WHO, CDC and other national health authorities.

Government guidance

[New 7.12.21]

Our highest priorities are the health and safety of our employees. We understand that many local, state, and national government agencies are introducing protocols and recommendations to limit the exposure of COVID-19. We are in constant contact with officials to make sure our policies align with any new and emerging information and that we are compliant with all current directives.

State Executive Orders

[Updated 11.19.20]

Verizon continuously monitors and reviews all government COVID-19 directives. In most cases, Verizon is already exceeding newly issued requirements, and will take additional actions to comply, if needed.

Certain jurisdictions have issued orders directing people arriving from certain areas to self-quarantine, under certain circumstances. We expect all employees to comply with self-quarantine directives. During your quarantine, you should work from home. If you are unable to work from home, notify your supervisor.

  • If you are unable to work from home and you traveled to a restricted area before a relevant directive went into effect, you will be paid during your quarantine.
  • If you are unable to work from home, and you traveled to a restricted area after the relevant directive went into effect, you will not be paid during your quarantine period, except to the extent you use vacation or personal time.

Notification escalations

[Updated 7.12.21]

In the event an individual is diagnosed with a confirmed case of coronavirus and recently had exposure to the workplace or coworkers, the Crisis Management Team has developed a series of protocols that are immediately activated. This may include, where appropriate in light of prevailing conditions and guidance:

  • Sanitizing the facility in accordance with the latest recommendations from the CDC, WHO, and local health authorities.
  • Deploying proactive measures like notifying colleagues who we believe were in close proximity to the individual and providing instructions on self-quarantine procedures.

Please speak with your supervisor if you have any questions about the protocols in place to keep you safe.

Facilities

[Updated 6.18.21]

Verizon has implemented an ongoing program to conduct a location-by-location evaluation of HVAC systems at manned locations and take measures to enhance indoor air quality (such as increasing outdoor air supply, extending system run times, and upgrading filters) where appropriate in light of guidance, occupancy, and system characteristics.

Food services

[Updated 7.12.21]

We are continuing to partner with our Global Real Estate teams to provide up-to-date information on availability of onsite amenities. In general, pantries will be open in July, including microwaves, fridges, and coffee areas. Offices with bean-to-cup coffee machines will be converted to touchless. Locations with Starbucks will be open and the mobile app is available to preorder. More details will be provided as additional services become available.

Contractors

[Updated 5.10.22]

All Time & Materials (T&M) contractors must use the Return to Office (RTO) tool, also utilized by Verizon employees to complete certification, whenever they work outside their homes at a Verizon worksite or another location for Verizon work.

  • This process applies to Time & Materials (T&M) contractors who are procured via our Managed Service Provider, Tapfin.

  • Professional Statement of Work (SOW) contractors should follow the visitor process via the VZ Check-In tool, which requires a Verizon host to pre-register their SOW contractor(s) in advance of their visit.

  • Other SOW contractors (e.g., trade/infrastructure support such as maintenance, construction, network support, etc.) should continue to follow their supplier guidance as communicated by Verizon Corporate Sourcing.

Mandatory training.

The mandatory Return to Office training must be completed prior to certifying via the RTO tool for the first time.

Accessing the RTO tool.

T&M contractors can access the RTO tool:

  • From a welcome and/or reminder messages from the RTO tool
  • From their laptop on VZWeb while connected to the Verizon VPN
  • On their Verizon-issued mobile device through the Verizon@Work app while connected to the Verizon VPN using Pulse Secure
  • And on their personal laptop or mobile device through the link in their reminder email or text message (not available internationally) using multi-factor authentication, including their SSO credentials

Rotating office access.

T&M contractors will access Verizon sites leveraging either full-office or rotating schedule access. To facilitate the rotating schedule, workers have been randomly assigned a letter group: Group A, B C or D, coinciding with specific weeks during the month. Each group will typically have access to the office for one week per month. T&M contractors on a rotating schedule can enter a building only on their designated week. They can view group assignments on the RTO tool and access the weekly rotating calendar on the COVID-19 resource page.

COVID-19 Case Reporting.

In alignment with the case reporting process for employees, if a contingent worker, contractor, or vendor employee has COVID-19 symptoms, has been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or has a positive COVID-19 test result, it should be reported via the COVID-19 Reporting Form. Once a case is reported, our Case Care Team will contact the impacted individual(s) to connect them with important resources, properly notify those who need to quarantine based on the current state and CDC guidance and their vaccination status, and deep clean the Verizon location if necessary.

  • A supervisor or HRBP may complete the form for an individual if an individual is unable to self-report (for U.S.-based contractors only).
  • Depending upon the details of the case, the worker may be asked to submit supporting documentation.

Additional information.

Visitors

[Updated 11.3.21]

The health and well-being of our V Teamers, partners and customers remain our top priority. Access to Verizon facilities by visitors is limited to business reasons only.

New global process.

Visitors are defined as:

  • Customers (other than at Verizon retail locations)
  • Clients
  • Consultants
  • Job applicants and new hires
  • Professional Statement of Work (SOW) contractors
  • Non-Verizon personnel attending a Verizon-sponsored volunteer event
  • Other business-critical vendors, e.g., prospective customers, strategic business partners

Time & Materials (T&M) contractors who are procured via our Managed Service Provider, Tapfin, and report their time via Fieldglass should follow the current contractor process.

Other SOW contractors (e.g., trade/infrastructure support such as maintenance, construction, network support, etc.) should continue to follow their supplier guidance as communicated by Verizon Corporate Sourcing.

Visitors to Verizon facilities must be registered and are required to complete an online COVID-19 related certification that includes a temperature check prior to arriving at our locations. This is to ensure they adhere to Verizon safety protocols and local guidelines. It’s a three-step process that includes:

  1. Registration. Employees are required to register all their visitors via the VZ Check-In tool.

  2. Certification. Upon registration, the system will automatically send the COVID-19 related certification to the visitors for completion on their scheduled visit day.

  3. Arrival. Upon successful certification, the visitor receives a QR code authorizing them to enter the Verizon facility. In buildings where there is a kiosk available, the visitor will be instructed to scan the QR code at the kiosk. In locations without kiosks, visitors will follow local access procedures.

Review the visitor pre-arrival guide to prepare for your visitors. Please direct questions to rtosupport@verizon.com with a subject line of VZ Check-In.

Visitors who do not successfully complete the online COVID-19 related certification or do not follow the VZ Check-In process will be denied access to Verizon facilities. Visitors are expected to follow our on-site safety protocols while on Verizon premises.

Visitors who experience any COVID-19-related symptoms or receive a positive COVID-19 diagnosis (within 72 hours of their visit) should notify their host immediately. The host must email the Visitor Care Team at the address below to initiate any appropriate facility closing/cleaning, communications to and quarantining of individuals:

Stores: How do I know if a store is still open?

[Updated 7.12.21]

Our top priorities are the health and safety of our employees. Our locations are open and available for customers’ needs while remaining safe for both employees and customers. We will continue to evolve our store protocols as appropriate. Customers can always see an up-to-date listing of their local store hours and locations by visiting: https://www.verizon.com/stores.

Please know that we are available 24/7 to help our customers online at www.verizonwireless.com, and through the My Verizon app.

Mail/package handling

[Updated 9.3.21]

Verizon Mail Services are offering solutions for handling business-critical mail or packages for major locations where employees are working from home. (See location list.)   

If you require business-critical mail to be scanned, sent to your home, or stored in the mailroom, please indicate your requirements on the Mail and Package Special Handling Form.

Travel, meetings and events

Travel: Limited to business-critical only

[Updated 7.15.22]

  • Business travel is limited to business-critical purposes only; leadership store visit travel is considered business-critical.
  • All travel must comply with domestic, international, and local regulations where applicable (e.g., masks, temperature checks, social distancing, quarantine post-travel, medical health certificate, proof of health/travel insurance, etc.)

  • If you are traveling internationally, please review the international office entry requirements

Meetings and events

[Updated 7.27.22]

  • Employee visits to customer, vendor or other third-party locations are subject to Visiting third-party sites policy. EVP travel approval is required for third-party site visits that require travel.

  • Meetings and events requiring business travel require VLC approval; this excludes EOC approved mandatory training.

Large group meetings

[Updated 7.1.22]

Verizon is continuing to monitor CDC guidance, including the CDC’s tracking of COVID-19 community levels in individual U.S. counties. CDC updates each county’s community level weekly, generally on Thursday evenings. If CDC designates a county’s level as “High” then it is recommended that all individuals mask while indoors. You can check the most up-to-date masking guidance for Verizon worksites - accounting for CDC COVID-19 community level and state/local jurisdiction masking guidance - through the Masking Guidance Link.

If you are holding a large group meeting (more than 25 participants), you should check the CDC website to determine whether the location of your meeting is in a county that CDC has classified as “High” community level. If your meeting is in a county that CDC classifies as "High" for COVID-19 community level, you should:

  • Provide participants with the option to attend virtually (if possible).
  • Request in-person attendees to take a rapid COVID-19 test within 24 hours prior to the event.

Verizon employees have access to free over-the-counter tests, as well as a number of additional testing resources. Testing resources are available through the Getting tested section of our COVID-19 Resource page.

Visiting third-party sites (U.S. and international)

[Updated 7.15.22]

Employee visits to customer, vendor or other third-party locations are permitted for business reasons.

Note: This does not apply to V Teamers on the VCG Consumer and VBG Business Sales & Ops team who support Indirect agents as well as Network and Operations field maintenance, repair, data center and provisioning roles (who should continue to follow their current processes).

Travel approvals in accordance with current Verizon Business Expense and Travel Policy will be required for third-party site visits that involve travel.

If you are visiting a third party, you must follow these steps:

1. Confirm that the third party meets the following facility requirements (if the host/facility fails to meet any of these conditions, you are not authorized to access the facility and should consult your manager):

  • The facility is open for business and compliant with applicable local laws and safety guidelines.
  • If a case of COVID-19 has been reported at the location, it has subsequently been cleaned in accordance with CDC and WHO guidelines.
  • There is a process to notify Verizon if a case of COVID-19 is reported within 10 days of your visit.

2. Complete RTO certification on the day of the visit (including entering the address, name and contact information of the third party).

3. Adhere to Verizon and local health guidance and requirements, such as wearing a face covering and maintaining social distancing of 6 feet (1.8 meters) or greater.

Contact your manager if there are concerns about the safety conditions at the 3rd party site, including no visible evidence of reasonable COVID-19 protocols in place.

If you had close contact with someone with COVID-19 and/or experience COVID-19 symptoms or are provided with guidance to quarantine, please complete the COVID-19 reporting form (U.S. | International).

Personal travel abroad and remote work

[Updated 4.15.21]

Outside of exceptional circumstances that are approved by the COVID-19 Emergency Operations Center (EOC), you may not work in a country other than the country of your normal work location. This is due to many factors in connection with employees performing work in countries other than their normal work locations, including import/export restrictions, work authorizations and tax considerations.

You should not schedule any period of remote work abroad before, during or after any personal trip when traveling outside the country of your normal work location.

If you are planning or have scheduled a personal trip, please follow the guidance provided by the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and your country’s government or health agency before making travel arrangements. There are still self-quarantine procedures in place in the United States and most other countries when traveling to and from certain regions and countries. These rules may restrict your ability to return to the country of your normal work location.

If you are unable to return to the country of your normal work location due to personal travel, you must report that to the EOC and you may, subject to local law, be required to use paid time off or take an unpaid leave of absence. This does not apply to cross-border commuters who, prior to the pandemic and due to the nature of their role, had a normal work location in one country, but lived and occasionally worked in a neighboring country.

Before any international travel:

On a short personal vacation that doesn't involve these restricted use countries, you are, as always, expected to use good judgment with regard to any access or use of company systems such as email. Please recognize that doing so from a country other than your official country of employment may have tax or other employment-related and financial implications for you and/or Verizon. Days spent abroad on vacation should be reported as vacation days and not work days.

Upon your return to the country of work location, you must abide by the provisions in the applicable CDC notice(s) and/or country governmental guidelines. If those provisions call for you to be quarantined, and you traveled to the restricted area after the relevant quarantine went into effect, in order to be paid, you will need to take vacation, personal or holiday time during any period where you must remain out of Verizon workspaces. If you are able to work from home during the self-quarantine period, you will be paid as normal. You must notify your manager and HR Business Partner of the need to self-quarantine.

Volunteer events

[Updated 11.3.21]

Employees may host or attend in-person volunteer events provided they follow Verizon’s COVID-19 safety protocols, including the requirements in Verizon’s Policy on Face Coverings and the requirements for working where COVID-19 is likely present, as well as any requirements of the event’s host or venue. Employees coming into a VZ location will need to complete the Return to Office (RTO) tool prior to coming on site and if needed use the Book A Space (BAS) tool to reserve a desk.

Information for

HR Business Partners

HR toolbox

Customer statements

Verizon response

[Updated 3.30.20]

View our response to customers on the Emergency Resource Center. The page includes general customer statements and FAQ for customers who seek further details about the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on Verizon's operations or ability to deliver services.

Open retail stores

[Updated 3.14.20]

Customers can visit www.verizon.com/stores for a list of stores that remain open. Customers can always get the support and services they need 24/7 by visiting verizonwireless.com/support,  using the My Verizon app or calling 800.922.0204.