The California-based semiconductor company told employees last month they had a 4 January deadline to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or seek an exemption, citing a government mandate for federal contractors.

In a 7 December memo to employees, Chief People Officer Christy Pambianchi told employees the 4 January deadline remains in place.

She wrote that employees who aren't vaccinated must seek a medical or religious accommodation and submit to weekly testing, regardless of whether they are still working remotely. Intel will review employees' exemption requests until 15 March.

Pambianchi said employees who don't receive an exemption will begin unpaid leave on April 4 for at least three months but "will not be terminated." She said Intel will continue providing health care benefits to unvaccinated employees on leave.