Deep cleaning at HarperCollins' News UK building as Times coronavirus case confirmed

Deep cleaning is being ramped up at the News UK building, home of HarperCollins, after an employee of the Times tested positive for the coronavirus.

A member of staff at the newspaper tested positive for the virus on Wednesday (11th March), although they had not been at the office since 2nd March. HarperCollins confirmed action was under way to ensure the wellbeing of its staff.

A spokesperson said: “We can confirm that yesterday, Wednesday 11th March, an employee of the Times tested positive for Covid-19. This person has not been in the News Building since Monday 2nd March and the News UK team is currently contact tracing anyone who may have been in contact with them.

“The health and wellbeing of our employees is a priority and we have implemented ongoing and more frequent deep cleaning in the News Building. We have restricted non-essential business travel and reduced the number of face-to-face meetings in favour of telephone and videoconferencing, and are prepared for increased numbers of people working remotely if and when that becomes necessary.”

The coronavirus is wreaking havoc with the trade, resulting in the cancellation of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair yesterday and the London Book Fair last week.

W H Smith warned today that the pandemic could see its profits take a £40m dive owing to the impact on its Travel business.

The government announced yesterday (12th March) that it was moving into the “delay” phase of its coronavirus planning, which could see large gatherings banned and more people working from home.