Coronavirus cases force shutdown of operations for tech giants in Seattle.
Businesses worldwide are feeling the impact as coronavirus cases continue to rise. While the US has seen relatively few fatalities, companies are worried about the virus spreading among employees due to its long incubation period. Despite their efforts, the virus has affected workers in some companies.
In Seattle, Washington, where Amazon and Facebook have offices, employees from both companies have been instructed to stay at home. Amazon confirmed a case of the virus in one of its employees in Seattle, while Facebook reported that a contractor working at one of their Seattle offices was also diagnosed.
Amazon spokesperson stated, “We recommend that employees in Seattle and Bellevue who can work from home do so until the end of the month.”
Similarly, Facebook mentioned, “We have informed our employees and are following the advice of health officials to prioritize everyone’s health and safety.”
#WORLD ─ #Amazon confirms first #COVID19 case among U.S. employees.
According to the news agency #Reuters, the online retailer https://t.co/83WJ8dt6qh Inc said on Tuesday, an employee in the United States tested positive for the #coronavirus. pic.twitter.com/jsO8aHGSXg— The Killid Group (@TheKillidGroup) March 4, 2020
The Amazon employee with symptoms since February 25 hasn’t been to the office, yet Amazon closed its Seattle locations until April as a precaution. Employees in contact with the diagnosed worker were notified.
While no coronavirus cases are reported in Google, Microsoft, and Twitter, these tech giants have asked their Washington employees to work from home if possible.
The US has confirmed 11 coronavirus-related deaths, with over 100 infected. Globally, there are 3,300 deaths and 94,000 cases reported.
