Confirmed Case of COVID-19 in Goldman Sachs' Sydney Office

The following email was sent to all Goldman Sachs employees in the firm's Sydney office today. 

Today we received confirmation that one of our colleagues in the Investment Banking Division (IBD) on the 48th floor in our Sydney office has tested positive for COVID-19. This individual has been self-isolating at home since Friday, March 13 and while they are feeling unwell, they are not currently experiencing any serious symptoms. The person will remain in self-isolation while they recover fully and are cleared to return to the office by a medical professional. We are in contact with the New South Wales Department of Health and in the process of notifying those who were in close contact with the individual – these colleagues will also be in self-isolation at home for 14 days following March 12. They will require Wellness clearance before returning to work in the office. 

The office will undergo a deep cleaning today using products deemed effective against COVID-19. Following the cleaning process, the office will be open tomorrow morning. IBD Sydney staff should work from home until further notice and not attend client meetings or conferences. There is currently no need for people outside of the 48th floor IBD area to work from home. However, as always, if you are not comfortable coming to the office, please discuss with your manager work from home arrangements.

During this time, other than IBD Sydney, staff should consider conducting phone or video calls rather than face-to-face meetings and postpone any non-essential meetings including seminars and training sessions, both internally and externally.

Wellness will continue to review the situation, and we will of course update you should anything change. Out of an abundance of caution, all of the common areas in 1 Farrer Place will undergo a deep cleaning, and enhanced cleaning will continue throughout our offices. Your divisional leaders have been notified, and you may receive additional guidance from them as it relates to Business Continuity Planning.

Reminder: If you are feeling sick, even with mild symptoms (e.g., scratchy throat, runny nose), we expect you to work from home until your symptoms have subsided. If you develop a fever or respiratory symptoms, you should remain out of the office and register on the HCM business continuity portal, and will require Wellness clearance to return to the office. During this time, it is important for each of us to take personal ownership for our health and be respectful of those around us.

As always, your health and safety remain our top priority, and we will continue to update you should any important developments arise.  In the meantime, please continue to visit the COVID-19 website on GSWeb for best practices on staying healthy, up-to-date guidance and resources.