OMD closes Sydney office over coronavirus fears
Note: This story was originally written on Friday, 28 February, but has been updated at 9:50am on Monday, 2 March to reflect the current situation.
OMD in Sydney has temporarily closed its doors as a precaution against the coronavirus.
An OMD London staffer visited the Sydney office, and upon returning home on a flight via Singapore has displayed flu-like symptoms.
The OMD team
Mumbrella understands the London employee visited OMD Sydney over one week ago.
Following this story I went to Woolies and bought eight days worth of food. Good news is that I was the only one doing it.
#Panic
#Don’tPanic
Genuine question: If the incubation period is between 14-21 days, then what good will a 1 day closure do?
Hi doom-prepper,
OMD Sydney staff are working from home until the potentially-infected UK staffer has their test results back. At the moment, it is not a confirmed case of coronavirus, and could simply be a cold/ flu, or some other ailment. If they get the all-clear over the weekend, I understand OMD can resume business as usual.
Presumably if it is a worst-case-scenario and coronavirus is confirmed by doctors, OMD Sydney will take further action and update its staff, the market and the media.
Thanks,
Vivienne – Mumbrella
I know most companies are currently imposing strict travel bans and have done for a large part of Feb. Although, even today I see people posting on LinkedIn that they are traveling overseas with work..? I can’t understand why an employer would allow anyone to travel in this current matter?
Fingers crossed this proves a false alarm. Thoughts with all involved.
An email out to all reps that look at OMD would of been appreciated as currently being overlooked. They are also being exposed and therefore at risk, impacting other businesses in our industry, as well as potentially other agency groups.
I am an employee of a representative company and we were all immediately informed of the situation. As some employees visited the OMD office in this time our Sydney office was immediately closed with all employees being advised to work from home until the test results of this person were received.
That’s fantastic! Sadly direct communication has not the case for all partner companies instead individuals having to proactively seek updates from contacts instead.
I believe MCN/Foxtel Media were also sent home on Friday. Any update on that? The implications if the virus is confirmed could be huge.
That is correct, the Pyrmont Foxtel Media office was closed on Friday and remained closed until this morning. All those who had direct contact with the potentially infected person have been advised to remain at home until further information is provided.
So OMD have not confirmed the “suspected” case yet, but have told anyone that sat near or was in proximity to the person in question for to remain home for the week in quarantine whilst others are to go in? What about those who sat near those people, who used the same kitchen?
If this is a real a case, sounds like the quarantine procedures are as poor as the Diamond Princess.
Should employees, clients and media reps be concerned? Many of our parents are in an age group that has a high death rate and have taken this announcement seriously.
Let’s hope this isn’t an actual case.
Bit confused to read that this report was updated on Monday 1 March.
Was it updated on 1 March or was it updated Monday 2 March?
Oh dear. The leap year caught me out.
It was updated on Monday, 2 March. Thank you for your eagle eye. It’s been updated.
Vivienne – Mumbrella