Microsoft says two employees in Washington state have tested positive for coronavirus

Microsoft confirmed Thursday that two of its employees from the area where its headquarters are located have contracted coronavirus.

Both employees are located in Puget Sound in Washington state, a spokesperson for the company confirmed to The Hill. One of the confirmed patients is an employee of LinkedIn, a Microsoft subsidiary.

“We have learned that a Microsoft employee and a LinkedIn employee, both in Puget Sound, are among those diagnosed with COVID-19. We are working closely with local public health authorities to provide the necessary support for our colleagues and their co-workers. We continue to provide real-time guidance for employees and take appropriate actions in accordance with public health guidance,” a Microsoft spokesperson confirmed to The Hill.

Microsoft on Wednesday instructed employees in Puget Sound and the Bay Area in California to work from home if they are able to in the coming weeks Wednesday. The tech giant has also limited employee travel in the wake of the outbreak that has infected tens of thousands, CNBC reported. 

The LinkedIn employee worked remotely, according to the outlet. 

More than 100,000 people have been infected with coronavirus since the outbreak began in China last year, including at least 3,383 deaths. The vast majority of fatalities and those who have been infected are in mainland China.

As of Thursday, there have been more than 227 cases reported in the U.S., with 14 deaths.

Updated at 9:43 a.m.