Facebook contractor in Seattle tests positive for the coronavirus
The revelation comes after news that an Amazon employee was quarantined after testing positive for the illness.
Facebook confirms a contractor in its Seattle offices has tested positive for COVID-19.
A contractor in Facebook's Seattle offices has tested positive for coronavirus, the internet retailer confirmed Wednesday. The revelation comes as the death toll related to the pneumonia-like illness in the US rose to 10, all but one occurring in Washington state.
"A contractor based in our Stadium East office has been diagnosed with the COVID-19," Tracy Clayton, Facebook spokesperson, said in a statement. "We've notified our employees and are following the advice of public health officials to prioritize everyone's health and safety."
The Seattle office is reportedly closed until March 9, with employees being encouraged to work from home at least until March 31.
Coronavirus updates
News of the Facebook employee's infection comes on the heels of the revelation that an Amazon employee at the company's Seattle headquarters has tested positive for the virus. The internet retailer says that employee is currently in quarantine.
Coronavirus concerns prompted Facebook last month to cancel F8, its developer conference in San Jose, California. Instead, the company plans to host local events and stream videos.
The novel coronavirus, officially known as SARS-CoV-2, was first reported to the World Health Organization on Dec. 31 after originating in Wuhan, China, and has spread to countries around the globe. The coronavirus has infected more than 90,000 people and killed more than 3,000.