Ford and General Motors have informed all employees who can do their work from home to do so as a result of the outbreak of the coronavirus.
CNBC reported the new guidelines go into effect on Monday and apply globally, with the exception of China. However, they do not include factory workers or those who must be physically present to perform their jobs.
The decision by the automakers came after Michigan confirmed its first cases of the virus. Both companies have major operations in the state. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has ordered all public, private and boarding schools to shut down for three weeks starting on Monday due to the virus, Fox 2 Detroit reported.
Ford CEO and President Jim Hackett wrote in a message to his workers. “In recent days, though, we’ve concluded the coronavirus issue has taken on a different dimension – and we need to be proactive to keep our people safe and help limit the spread of the virus in the communities where we live and work.”
And GM CEO and Chairman Mary Barra said: “These are important steps to lower the probability of spreading the coronavirus to coworkers, families and communities and to relieve the burden on public resources. It also helps conserve critical resources like cleaning crews, medical staff, and supplies so they can be deployed where they are most needed.”
Fiat Chrysler said remote working is “now available to all employees.” The company had confirmed a worker at an Indiana plant had contracted the virus, according to CNBC.
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