<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="yes"?><oembed><version><![CDATA[1.0]]></version><provider_name><![CDATA[GameUP24]]></provider_name><provider_url><![CDATA[https://gameup24.wordpress.com]]></provider_url><author_name><![CDATA[William A.]]></author_name><author_url><![CDATA[https://gameup24.wordpress.com/author/louzwate/]]></author_url><title><![CDATA[Microsoft Is Encouraging Employees To Work Remotely Due To Coronavirus&nbsp;Concerns]]></title><type><![CDATA[link]]></type><html><![CDATA[<div><img src='https://gamespot1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/screen_medium/1596/15969599/3641457-virus.jpg' style='max-width:600px;' /></p>
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<p dir="ltr">Seattle is one of the major US cities most affected by the novel <a href="https://www.cnet.com/how-to/coronavirus-and-covid-19-all-your-questions-answered/">coronavirus</a>, and major companies are starting to take action. According to an <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/4/21164522/microsoft-coronavirus-response-comment-employees-memo-work-from-home">internal memo obtained by The Verge</a>, Microsoft is allowing or even encouraging its workers to perform their duties from home through March 9, provided they work in Seattle or San Francisco.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The memo also reveals that Microsoft has given its China-based employees the option to work from home as well, with a large percentage taking them up on the offer. However, it does not reveal whether or not any Microsoft employees have been diagnosed with COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In Washington state, 28 cases of coronavirus <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/coronavirus-daily-update-march-4-what-we-know-so-far-about-covid-19-in-the-seattle-area-washington-state-and-the-nation/">have been diagnosed</a> and 10 people have died from the disease. The outbreak has caused <a href="https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gearbox-amazon-join-list-of-gdc-drop-outs-amid-cor/1100-6474243/">widespread disruption across the games industry</a>, triggering the <a href="https://www.gamespot.com/articles/coronavirus-concerns-causing-convention-dropouts-t/1100-6474402/">cancellation of major events</a>, <a href="https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gdc-2020-postponed-due-to-coronavirus-following-nu/1100-6474241/">such as GDC</a>. According to the ESA, <a href="https://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2020-still-going-ahead-as-planned-amidst-corona/1100-6474315/">E3 will continue as scheduled</a>, however.</p>
<p><em>Source: <a style="text-decoration:none;" href="https://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-is-encouraging-employees-to-work-remotel/1100-6474413/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f">GameSpot</a></em></div>
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