How U.S. Institutions Responded To The Coronavirus Threat

The World Health Organization recently declared the disease caused by the novel coronavirus a global pandemic. In response, various institutions in the United States, which currently has more than a thousand confirmed cases, made changes to how they operate – some companies advised their employees to work from home, some schools closed while others want students to take classes online.

What Some Companies Are Doing

Realizing the severity of the coronavirus pandemic, companies in the U.S. have taken steps to mitigate the spread of the virus. For instance, Twitter is forcing its 4,900 employees to work from home, CNBC reported.

“Our top priority remains the health and safety of our Tweeps, and we also have a responsibility to support our communities, those who are vulnerable, and the healthcare providers who are on the front lines of this pandemic,” the company said in a blog post.

Google likewise requested its 100,000 North American employees to stay at home. Amazon also requested its employees in areas hit by the coronavirus not to come to the office.

Condé Nast and Hearst are also temporarily closing down its offices. In Condé Nast’s case, the move came after one of its employees is suspected of being infected with the virus, The Guardian reported.

Schools and Universities

At the moment, more than a thousand schools in the U.S. have closed due to the coronavirus outbreak. The move is expected to affect around 775,000 students nationwide.

Universities and colleges are likewise looking for ways to prevent an outbreak among their student populations, who are currently on spring break. Harvard University, University of Maryland and New York University announced that they will transition to online learning.

“Students are asked not to return to campus after Spring Recess and to meet academic requirements remotely until further notice,” Harvard University President Lawrence S. Bacow announced via email, The Harvard Crimson reported. “Students who need to remain on campus will also receive instruction remotely and must prepare for severely limited on-campus activities and interactions. All graduate students will transition to remote work wherever possible.”

Public Gatherings

Chicago canceled is St. Patrick’s Day parade in a preventive effort to stop the spread of the virus. Boston, Denver, and Dublin have also canceled their respective parades.

Washington Governor Jay Inslee announced a ban for gatherings with more than 250 people in three counties. Meanwhile, San Francisco is imposing a ban on events with 1,000 people or more.