Even though the vast majority of us probably won't encounter novel corona/COVID-19, it's still a fairly scary scenario to ponder. The cdc has painted a very cautious picture without causing panic in saying that the potential public health threat is high. Translated: 'We're all as safe as we want to be'. That includes minimizing risk while working - have the option to work from home or remotely? Definitely do so. I can't speak for all employers but most of the companies I've been a part of have adopted a "Stay home until you're healthy" policy. They recognize the investments they've made in Citrix/Horizon/VPN and the value they bring when large-scale health issues, weather, travel mishaps, etc. hit. I'm stil baffled at seemingly "modern" organizations that still hold on to the antiquated notion of "You need to be here at your desk. No exceptions unless it's vacation" and somehow email on your mobile phone and/or tablet doesn't count. I get the distinct impression that those are the organizations that
will experience the biggest shock if we see a pandemic and an increasingly remote workforce - either in a panicked change in their infrastructure and policy to allow more mobile workers or employees simply going elsewhere. Stay safe. Wash your hands and get a second monitor for home. :-)
