Google, Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft, and Twitter ask employees to stay away from Silicon Valley and Seattle HQs as they bunker down against coronavirus
Now the virus is in the US, tech companies are taking precautions closer to home — particularly in California and Seattle, where the majority of big tech companies are headquartered.
According to the most recent WHO figures, there are now more than 97,000 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus worldwide — although the vast majority of these are still in mainland China where it originated. In the US, 148 cases of the virus have been confirmed and 10 deaths. In response, some tech companies have temporarily shut down offices and asked thousands of employees to work from home if at all possible.Drew Angerer/Getty Images"This decision is based on our desire to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19. The health and safety of our teams, their loved ones and our neighbors remain a top priority," a Facebook spokesperson told Business Insider.
"Based on guidance from Santa Clara County today, we are strongly recommending that all Bay Area employees and contingent staff work from home starting tomorrow, Friday, March 6," they added.
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