Energy firm Chevron asked about 300 British employees to work remotely for the foreseeable future after a member of staff reported flu symptoms on their return from a country infected by the deadly bug.

The worker was sent for testing and the company told the rest of its staff not to return until the results came back.

In a statement, a company spokesperson said: ‘Chevron continues to monitor the situation very closely, utilizing the guidance of international and local health authorities. Our primary concern is the health and safety of our employees and we are taking precautionary measures to reduce their risk of exposure.’

Hours later, it was claimed workers in a second London office had been told to work from home over coronavirus fears.

Media agency OMD allegedly sent staff away this afternoon.

A OMD spokesperson was unable to immediately comment when contacted by Metro.co.uk.

The news comes as Public Health England warned thousands of patients reporting flu-like symptoms will be screened for the infection in an effort to ward off a similar surge in cases to that seen in Italy where cases jumped almost 50 per cent in 24 hours to 322 and deaths rose to 11.

According to reports seen by The Sun, the government’s ‘worst-case’ plans predict 80 per cent of Brits could become infected, of which two per cent – 500,000 people – could die.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said official advice has been changed to say people who have been to anywhere in Italy north of Pisa should self-isolate if they develop flu-like symptoms on their return to the UK.

Two schools have closed in the UK, with a dozen more sending staff and pupils into self-isolation.