Pharmaceutical Giant Closes NJ Offices Amidst Coronavirus Concern

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ - Pharmaceutical giant Bayer has closed down their two New Jersey offices in response to concern over novel coronavirus, of COVID-19, according to a company spokesperson.

"We take the risk of the coronavirus seriously and are taking all necessary measures to keep our employees and neighbors safe," Bayer said in a statement to Patch. "The primary goal is to ensure the health and safety of our employees, but at the same time to act with reason and judgment."

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Bayer has temporarily closed its campuses in Whippany and Morristown effective Wednesday and has asked more than 2,000 employees to work from home. The move was done in order to implement additional cleaning measures in common areas as a proactive measure and "out of an abundance of caution."

While there is no timetable on when the facilities will be open again, company officials said they are monitoring the situation.

"Bayer is also working in close consultation with state health officials," the statement said. "To be clear, Bayer has received no indication at this time that any employee has been confirmed to be infected with coronavirus."

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