All Allens staff to work remotely as COVID-19 precaution

All of Allens staff members will work remotely starting Wednesday as a precautionary measure amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Allens has also confirmed that it closed its Brisbane office today after it found out that one of its people in the Queensland capital may have been exposed to the coronavirus.

“The firm is implementing these new measures to support the health and wellbeing of our people and clients, and of the community around us,” the firm said. “These arrangements are precautionary. We continue to monitor advice from public health authorities and we believe that taking these steps now is appropriate.”

The firm said that it is well-prepared for remote working and it expects to be business as usual in terms of client service. Clients will be able to reach Allens as normal, it said.

“Health and safety is the firm's first priority, and we will continue to implement a range of other measures in accordance with the advice and directions of health authorities,” Allens said.

The move from Allens comes after other firms have instituted similar precautionary measures amid the spread of the novel coronavirus. Over the weekend, Gilbert + Tobin told most of its staff to work remotely.

On Thursday last week, King & Wood Mallesons closed its Sydney office a staff member feared they may have been exposed to the virus overseas, while Norton Rose Fulbright closed most of its Sydney office, its largest in Australia, after a staff member had contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case.