Several major tech companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have implemented precautionary measures to safeguard their employees from the coronavirus outbreak.
This past week witnessed a wave of multinational corporations withdrawing from China or implementing new strategies to ensure the safety of their workforce amidst the novel coronavirus epidemic. Google led the way by shutting down all its offices in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Many employees at these tech firms have been advised to extend their Lunar New Year holidays and work remotely wherever possible.
Among the tech giants, Google has taken the most stringent steps. Employees are advised against any travel to China and Hong Kong, and those already in China are requested to depart promptly. Upon returning, they are required to self-isolate and work from home for a minimum of two weeks. While Google does not disclose the exact number of employees in its four mainland China offices, the company primarily focuses on advertising services through dedicated sales and engineering offices.
In a bid to prevent any possible infections, Microsoft, Amazon, Toyota, and General Motors have taken similar precautionary measures, including extending the closure of their facilities over the Lunar New Year.
