Google Shuts China Offices, Toyota Halts Production

The Verge reports:

Google is temporarily shutting down all of its China offices due to the coronavirus outbreak, the company confirmed to The Verge on Wednesday. The shutdown includes all offices in mainland China, as well as Google’s offices in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Currently, the offices are closed for the extended Lunar New Year holiday, a measure the Chinese government took to help reduce the spread of the virus by encouraging residents to stay inside and avoid travel.

A Google spokesperson says the company now plans to keep its offices closed in accordance with the government guidance, and it’s also placed temporary business travel restrictions on flying to mainland China and Hong Kong.

#CORONAVIRUS update:
*Death toll at 132.
*Nearly 6,000 confirmed cases, surpassing SARS virus 17 years ago.
*Toyota halts operations in China.
*British Airways halts flights to Beijing and Shanghai.https://t.co/g2ycb7UCtt pic.twitter.com/oKTD0RgdL5

— Jim Roberts (@nycjim) January 29, 2020