National Australia Bank (NAB) has evacuated its Melbourne headquarters after an employee tested positive to coronavirus (COVID-19).

The bank has temporarily closed its office located at 700 Bourke Street, Docklands, in Melbourne.

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In a press release, NAB CEO Ross McEwan said: “In consultation with health authorities, we are vacating the 700 Bourke Street building and will have it pandemically cleansed.

“All colleagues from 700 Bourke should go home and continue to work from home.

“We plan to have 700 Bourke Street ready for colleagues to return to work later this week.”

NAB, however, added that it will continue lending to keep the business open.

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Last week, Australian banking giant Westpac also cleared a floor at its Sydney office after a suspected case.

Macquarie work from home

Following the development, Macquarie Group has told 15,000 staff to work from home to limit the spread of the deadly virus.

In an email, the bank said that the offices will stay open but with minimal staff.

Macquarie has not yet put an end date on its latest work from home arrangement, the Financial Review reported.

The investment bank employs nearly 6,600 people in Australia.

Most of its employees are already working remotely.

Macquarie Group global CEO Nicole Sorbara said: “By Wednesday, in all regions, you should work from home until further notice, unless your role is identified as one that requires you to be in the office.

“Our offices will remain open, but you should not come into the office unless you are asked to do so.”

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