The London office of global advertising agency OMD has told staff to work from home due to the coronavirus risk.
OMD London
According to various media reports the company decided to shutter its London bureau after staff returned from a business trip to Singapore.
One of the executives reported feeling unwell on their return, so the agency took immediate action to limit any risk of infection.
A spokesperson from Omnicom Media Group UK told Metro newspaper employees were working from home as “precautionary measure” while the worker awaits results.
OMD’s management have told its London employees, of which there are reported to be around 1,000, that they can work from home until test results are known.
The Mirror reported a spokesperson for the firm saying: “Earlier today (Wednesday), 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.
Precautionary measure
“As a precautionary measure, and until definitive results of the employee’s coronavirus test is confirmed, we are asking OMD employees at our Fitzrovia offices to immediately work from home.
“OMD 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.”