Microsoft has notified employees in the Seattle and San Francisco Bay areas to continue working remotely through at least April 7 amid the coronavirus crisis, Business Insider has learned.
The decision – disclosed by two sources who asked not to be named because they aren't authorized to speak about company policies – came after San Francisco issued a public health order requiring residents to stay home except for essential needs. The order includes an exception for "essential" jobs.
Microsoft confirmed the news.
Microsoft previously asked "all employees who are in a job that can be done from home" to do so through March 25. Microsoft declined to specify what kinds of employees are required to work on-site, but an email reviewed by Business Insider reveals they include field sales people.
Microsoft has disclosed two Seattle-area employees contracted COVID-19, but the company declined to provide an update about whether they are additional cases among its workforce.
Microsoft recently canceled its Build developer conference – one of its largest events of the year – and said it would move the event it online, citing health concerns amid the spread of coronavirus.
The company has also offered to pay vendors who work hourly even if conditions mean they can't come to work and offered paid leave to parents who can't work remotely while their children are home.
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