Kojima Productions employees are all now working from home after one employee tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). The company issued a statement confirming the case and the measures they've taken to avoid further spreading the virus.
The statement detailed that one employee was sent home on March 20. Since then, they have tested positive for COVID-19 after having a PCR test. The positive result was confirmed yesterday.
Despite testing positive, public health authorities have stated that the Toyko-based offices are able to remain open and that all other employees are not considered "close contacts" because the employee was not in the office when the symptoms started. However, Kojima Productions is implementing precautions to avoid the possible spread and risk to its employees.
For the time being, the office floor will be closed, and all office facilities are to be sanitized. All employees are now to work from home while Kojima Productions has confirmed that it will "supervise and support for the health condition of all staff." The company will also continue working with health authorities to further prevent the spread.
Kojima Productions was to attend GDC where the design philosophy for Death Stranding was to be explained, but before the event was postponed the company pulled out. As for game companies, we've learned that Nintendo of America has also had an employee with COVID-19 and has seen the staff working remotely.
GamesIndustry.biz reports that recent figures show 443 infections of the virus are in Tokyo, with 2,007 across Japan. Japan's infection rate is low in comparison to South Korean neighbors, which have reported 10,000 cases. Additionally, fears of a second wave of infections in Tokyo have come to light after a recent spike. Countries around the world are encouraging or enforcing lockdowns to slow the spread of the new virus.