SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Qualcomm is requiring employees able to work from home to do so.
In an email sent to employees, the company moved to "a global required work from home policy for employees who are able to perform their job remotely" effective immediately through March 27. A Qualcomm spokesperson confirmed the email to 10News.
The company email says employees in China should continue to follow local guidelines that they've received separately.
"Certain employees will be identified as 'onsite critical,' which means that your work is both critical to the continuity of business operations and requires onsite presence to perform your work duties," the company's email read.
Qualcomm said it is taking the action as a "proactive, preventative measure to protect our employees and help reduce the spread of the virus."
The San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation estimated in early 2018 that the company has a $4.9 billion impact on the San Diego economy. Founded in 1985, Qualcomm is one of San Diego's largest employers, employing more than 33,000 people worldwide.