Toyota to gradually restart North America production from May 4

Toyota Motor stated on Thursday it expects to gradually restart North American production from May 4 and will impose significant new safety procedures after it stopped operations in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The largest Japanese automaker stated it expects production will be reduced next month. The company added it is unclear when the industry will be permitted to resume operations in Mexico. Toyota will add temperature checks for all plant workers, personal protective gear, use “touchless” entrances and exits and will even prohibit non-emergency use of elevators.

“There is no going back to normal for the foreseeable future,” stated Chris Reynolds, Toyota Motor North America chief administrative officer. Reynolds said he expects production will increase later in May “to meet consumer demand.”

About 1,036,201 people in North America have been confirmed as being infected with the coronavirus. The virus has killed 58,688 people in the continent.