(Reuters) – The New York Times Co announced Wednesday that it will suspend its plans to request employees to return in office due to the rise of COVID-19-related cases in America.

The company’s employees, who are based in New York City were originally set to return to work in June.

According to a Reuters tally the United States has nearly 97,000 cases per day. This is up from 73,000 a week earlier. New York City raised its COVID-19 alert to high Tuesday.

“Based on the city’s guidance and the advice of our health experts, we are pausing the start of our Expected Phase of return to office until conditions improve,” the company said in a note sent to its staff.

The company also said it strongly recommends that employees wear masks in common areas at its facilities, including elevators, meeting rooms, restrooms and pantries, where social distancing is not possible