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File photo of Google's European HQ in Dublin city.
# Dublin
Google staff told to work from home after employee reports 'flu-like symptoms' amid Covid-19 fears
The company wants to test its “operational readiness” should employees have to work from home for an extended period.
GOOGLE HAS ASKED the majority of its 8,000 employees to work from home after a staff member reported flu-like symptoms amid growing concerns about the spread of Covid-19.
A spokesperson for the company said: “We continue to take precautionary measures to protect the health and safety of our workforce, and as part of that effort we have asked our Dublin teams to work from home tomorrow.”
The person who is sick has not been diagnosed with Covid-19.
Employees who were in close contact with the person in question have been told to work from home and to monitor their health until there is greater clarity into whether they are at any risk.
It’s understood the work-from-home day will be used to test Google’s “operational readiness” should employees have to work from home for an extended period.
This is not the first Google office that has been closed for a day or more as a precautionary measure.
Meanwhile, a school in Dublin today began its two-week closing period after it was confirmed a pupil was diagnosed with Covid-19.
The first case of Covid-19 in the Republic of Ireland was confirmed in a male patient from Scoil Chaitríona in Glasnevin, Dublin 9. He is currently receiving medical treatment.
The decision to close the school was announced yesterday evening. Health officials have contacted the principal, staff, and parents or guardians of pupils to give them the necessary information and advice.
