“They were in the Zurich office for a limited time, before they had any symptoms,” a Google spokesperson said. “We have taken, and will continue to take, all necessary precautionary measures, following the advice of public health officials, as we prioritise everyone's health and safety.”

 

The company said that it had no plans to close the office or quarantine all of its staff.  “The Zurich office, like all other offices, remains open”, the spokesperson said.

 

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The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Switzerland has risen to 15, and more than 100 people are in quarantine, government minister Alain Berset said on Friday. 

 

Switzerland's federal government has invoked special powers which allows it to take decisions on measures that are normally the responsibility of the country's cantons, and banned all events involving more than 1,000 people.

 

This has meant football matches, carnival celebrations, concerts and the Geneva International Motor Show have all been put on hold. 

 

In a statement announcing the move, the government conceded it would “have a significant impact on public life in Switzerland”, but added that “it should prevent or delay the spread of the disease, thus reducing its momentum”.