The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has become the first federal agency to ask its staff based at its Washington, D.C. headquarters to work from home due to concerns over the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, after a possibly sick employee was reported.
First reported by The Washington Post, the measure was taken in order to avoid potential coronavirus cases at SEC offices and is planned to continue until further notice.
There was reportedly an employee treated for respiratory symptoms on Monday, which wasn’t confirmed to be a coronavirus case. The person was referred to take a test for the virus.
“Even with increased telework, the SEC remains able and committed to fully executing its mission on behalf of investors, including monitoring market function and working closely with other regulators and market participants,” the agency said Tuesday.
Among other major U.S. employers that are currently having their personnel telework are Amazon, Facebook, Google and Microsoft. They all encouraged staff in the Seattle area to follow the practice.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned companies that they should have strategies ready to protect their workforce.
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