CBS News has reportedly evacuated its “Black Rock” downtown office tower in Manhattan, New York after two employees tested positive for the novel coronavirus COVID-19.
All employees who came in contact the two infected individuals have been asked to self-quarantine, and the entire 38-story office building has been closed immediately for cleaning.
Via CBS:
In an email to staff, CBS News President Suzan Zirinsky said two employees have tested positive for the coronavirus. Employees in the CBS Broadcast Center and CBS News building at 555 West 57th Street will work remotely while the buildings are cleaned and disinfected.
Coverage on CBS News broadcasts, the CBSN stream and CBSNews.com will continue.
“We have been planning for this possibility and want everyone to be assured that we are taking all necessary measures,” the note said.
The note said the company has identified employees who may have been in direct contact with the individuals. They will be asked to self-quarantine and work remotely for 14 days.
The names of the two infected employees have not been released.
Via Heavy:
The names of the two employees that tested positive for COVID- 19 have not yet been released. Zirinsky added this will not be a long shutdown. She said, “At this point, we anticipate the offices will be open Monday.”
CBS, which stands for Columbia Broadcasting System, is located on the Northeast corner to West 53rd Street. The skyscraper, first erected in 1965, is south of Central Park and north of Times Square.
The news media in general has been criticized by the public for linking the virus to domestic politics.
