NESTLÉ whose confectionery headquarters are in York has asked its employees worldwide not to travel internationally for business up to March 15.

The company has issued coronavirus travel advice, advising employees to consider alternatives to domestic travel where possible.

"Nestlé shares global concerns over the spread and impact on public health of coronavirus. We take our responsibility for our employees and to the communities in which we operate seriously."

Action taken also includes advising employees on minimizing the risk of infection at work and home, and requesting that any employees who have travelled to affected areas in the last 14 days inform their line manager and work from home for two weeks where feasible.

Nestlé has also put in place biosecurity measures in its factories, offices and distribution centres and is working with its supply chain, distribution and retail partners to implement appropriate infection control measures and ensure continued production and delivery of products.

"We are advising employees to consider alternatives to domestic travel where possible, but are not restricting it beyond this. We continue to follow the advice of public health organizations and work with authorities in affected countries to reduce the risk of infection."