INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Last week, Google sent out a memo to staff recommending that Washington State-based employees work remotely, in order to mitigate the
potential spread of COVID-19
Today, the suggestion has been dramatically expanded, in line with the spread of the virus
A new note from the company recommends similar action for employees across North America.
A spokesperson for the company confirmed earlier
reports with TechCrunch that employees across the continent are being recommended to work from home, if their positions allow for it
The company confirmed that other regions have been given similar guidance, as well
Europe, for example, is mostly recommended to work from home at present
Different regions are subject to different guidance, based on a variety of local requirements.
Last week precautions followed initial
reports of the coronavirus strain spread in the Pacific Northwest, including King County, in which Google largest offices in the state —
Seattle and Kirkland — are based
Instances of COVID-19 have spread quickly across the country
At last count, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has cases listed at 647 nationally, with 25 deaths
New York State has jumped to the top spot, with more than 170 cases reported.
Google is one of a rapidly growing list of tech companies
taking similar action to avoid the spread of the virus
Microsoft, Box, Lyft and others have addressed concerns with employees, either recommending or requiring staff to work from home, and, in
some cases, maintaining wages in spite of reduced hours
Google annual spring time developer conference I/O was among the major tech shows that are taking the year off over health precautions.
The
software giant has also announced the establishment of a COVID-19 fund for temporary staff and vendors across the world.
As we&re in a
transition period in the United States —and to cover any gaps elsewhere in the world—Google is establishing a COVID-19 fund that will
enable all our temporary staff and vendors, globally, to take paid sick leave if they have potential symptoms of COVID-19, or can''t come
into work because they&re quarantined,& Google Director, Workplace Services Adrienne Crowther writes
&Working with our partners, this fund will mean that members of our extended workforce will be compensated for their normal working hours if
they can''t come into work for these reasons
We are carefully monitoring the situation and will continue to assess any adjustments needed over the coming months.
