Coronavirus London scare: Office staff sent home following fears of virus outbreak
A CENTRAL London PR company has told its staff to go home immediately after fears of a coronavirus outbreak within the office.
Coronavirus: Matt Hancock outlines plan to deal with outbreak
OMD Media in Fitzrovia has told staff to leave the office after a member of the team was suspected to have contracted Covid-19. An Omnicom Media Group UK spokeswoman said: "Earlier today, we became aware of an employee showing flu like symptoms, who had returned a few days ago from a trip to Australia with a flight connection through Singapore.
"As a precautionary measure, and until definitive results of the employee’s coronavirus test is confirmed, we are asking OMG employees at our Fitzrovia offices to immediately work from home.
"OMG UK employees have been informed that, whilst the risk of the test being positive is minimal, every precaution is being taken to protect their health and wellbeing.
"We will continue to monitor the situation and follow the guidance provided from the Government and expect to reopen these offices on Monday pending the results."
It comes on the same day more than 300 members of staff were sent home from the office of American oil company Chevron in Canary Wharf while it awaits test results of an employee feared to have been infected.
An employee who worked for the firm had recently returned from a country which is fighting an outbreak of Covid-19 and had flu-like symptoms.
While awaiting test results, Chevron ordered all traders, exploration and refining unit staff to work from home.
In a statement, a company spokesman said: “Chevron continues to monitor the situation very closely, utilizing the guidance of international and local health authorities.
“Our primary concern is the health and safety of our employees and we are taking precautionary measures to reduce their risk of exposure.”
READ MORE: London’s Canary Wharf in coronavirus panic as hundreds sent home
The number of cases of coronavirus worldwide has rapidly risen in recent days.
There are now 81,296 cases of Covid-19 worldwide, with 2,770 people dying from the virus.
However, despite the escalation in the number of cases of coronavirus, the Government has urged the public not the overreact.
Speaking in the House of Commons earlier today, Health Secretary Matt Hancock called for a “proportionate” response to any potential cases of Covid-19.
He said in the Chamber: “Overreaction has its costs too, economic and social, and so we have to keep the public safe but we also need to act in a way that’s proportionate.”
DON'T MISS:
Coronavirus Canary Wharf: Man collapses coughing in busy mall [VIDEO]
Coronavirus latest: Is there a cure for coronavirus? How to test [LATEST]
Can I take coronavirus symptoms off as paid sick leave? [INSIGHT]
Coronavirus: Matt Hancock on UK's 'preparations' for outbreak
Updating MPs on coronavirus more widely, Mr Hancock said 7,132 people in the UK have so far been tested.
Of these, 13 have tested positive, of whom eight have been discharged from hospital.
He said: "We have a clear, four-part plan to respond to the outbreak of this disease: contain, delay, research and mitigate."
Mr Hancock said guidance has been published in recent days for schools, employers, first responders, social care and the travel industry.
He added: "If anyone has been in contact with a suspected case in a childcare or an educational setting, no special measures are required while test results are awaited.
"There is no need to close the school or send other students or staff home.
"Once the results arrive, those who test negative will be advised individually about returning to education.
"In most cases, closure of the childcare or education setting will be unnecessary, but this will be a local decision based on various factors including professional advice."
The UK Chief Medical Officers have currently said the coronavirus risk to the UK public is “moderate”.
Anyone who fears they have the virus is urged to phone 111.