Photo: Diego M. Radzinschi/ALM

Allen & Overy is "strongly encouraging" staff in its Sydney and Perth offices to work from home for the next two weeks, joining King & Wood Mallesons, Linklaters-aligned Allens, and Baker McKenzie in introducing remote working.

The Magic Circle firm has also had international travel restrictions in place since March 1 and has canceled larger meetings and encouraged the use of technology for smaller ones.

The measures are precautionary and no staff at the firm have tested positive for COVID-19, Allen & Overy said in a statement.

"The firm will continue providing its usual high level of service to clients as all our lawyers and most support staff are able to work remotely using secure, tried and tested technology," it said.

The measures come as Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison told Australians not to travel overseas and forbade indoor gatherings of more than 100 people.

Morrison and Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy also warned that more restrictions were to come.

As of Wednesday morning, there have been 454 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Australia. That is 40 more cases than were reported as of Tuesday afternoon.

On Tuesday, King & Wood Mallesons, Linklaters-aligned Allens, and Baker McKenzie all told staff to work from home, while Herbert Smith Freehills and Squire Patton Boggs are encouraging staff who would like to work remotely to do so.