Sony Pictures Entertainment has announced that it is planning to have employees return the Culver City lot in June.

In a memo to staff on Monday, Sony Pictures Chairman Tony Vinciquerra said the phased reopening of the studio offices will begin on June 1, with a goal of having the lot "up to speed" by Labor Day.

"As COVID-19 cases continue to decline and the number of vaccinations increase each day, we are starting to see very encouraging signs of recovery," Vinciquerra said. "With many state and local restrictions being reduced, allowing more businesses to reopen, we can now start moving into the next phases of our Return-to-Office planning."

"In preparation for this next phase, we are putting in place additional safety measures including an enhanced cleaning regimen, upgraded air conditioning filters, UV lighting inside air conditioning equipment where possible, and increased outside air circulation," he said in the memo.

The chairman said Sony has plans for a phased reopening and different health protocols.

"The progress we are seeing worldwide in managing the virus's spread and life slowly inching back to normal is some of the most exciting news we have seen throughout this difficult year," said Vinciquerra in the letter. "There is every reason to feel optimistic about the direction things are now headed. That said, please continue to be safe and adhere to CDC guidance and safety protocols."

Sony follows Warner Bros and the Walt Disney Co, both of which plan to have employees gradually returning starting in mid-summer. According to Variety, the Disney Co is gradually bringing back staff with a phased reopening after July 4, while Fox Corp has deferred its reopening date in April to no earlier than Sept. 7