Volkswagen to close factories in Mexico due to spread of coronavirus

German automaker Volkswagen will temporarily shut down its factories in Mexico’s Puebla and Guanajuato states in order to preserve public health, the company’s Mexican unit stated, amid increasing worries over the spread of the coronavirus.

The shutdowns will take effect on March 30 and will be in effect through April 12, the statement noted.

The company also pointed to decreasing demand and the risk of shortages of parts as factors in the decision to postpone production in the auto plants.

About 316 people in Mexico have been confirmed as being infected with the coronavirus. The virus has killed 2 people in the country.