ROME (dpa-AFX) – The Italian sports car manufacturer Ferrari closes its two plants for two weeks because of the coronavirus outbreak. The company had initially tried to keep the factories running, but now “the first serious problems in the supply chain” prevented further production, Ferrari said in a statement on Saturday.
The plants in Maranello and Modena would therefore remain closed until March 27th. Scuderia Ferrari, responsible for Formula 1, has also ceased operations. The decision was made “out of respect” and for the “peace of mind” of Ferrari workers and suppliers, said CEO Louis Camilleri.
The Italian government had previously signed an agreement with unions and employers’ organizations to allow factories to remain operational during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. The agreement served the “well-being of the country, the protection of the health of workers,” tweeted Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. It provides for higher safety standards for workers. Employees are now entitled to masks and other protective equipment if they cannot work at a safe distance from one another.
Some companies would temporarily suspend or reduce their activities to accommodate new security requirements for their workers, the CGIL, CISL and UIL unions said.
Italian authorities have imposed drastic blocking measures nationwide to limit the risk of infection. Most shops are closed and people are asked not to leave their homes if possible. But work continues in some offices and factories. There had been protest against it last week.
In Italy, the number of infected people had risen to 17,660 on Friday. According to civil protection, 1266 people died. After China, Italy is the country with the most Covid 19 deaths
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