Covid-19 cases at factories don’t deter manufacturers

MUMBAI|NEW DELHI|KOLKATA: An employee at the country’s largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki, has tested positive for Covid-19, while the results for a second employee are awaited. At Hyundai Motor India, three people tested positive and test results for 16 more were awaited, according to media reports. Meanwhile, a Gurgaon-based apparel exporter said one factory employee tested positive late on Sunday.The discovery of Covid-positive cases has not deterred these companies from continuing their manufacturing activities.Several other manufacturers too said that even if there was an eventuality of employees testing positive, they will follow the standard operating procedures (SOP) and inform the local authorities, but production will continue.There are elaborate protocols in place on how to handle such a situation, said Deepak Jain, president of Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA). “Our endeavour is to ensure production is not hindered. The key is to be very transparent within the community and with the local authorities so that widespread of the virus is curtailed.”The Gurgaon-based apparel exporter said the worker had been absent for four days. Upon discovering his test reports, the company traced 10 people who may have come in contact with the patient, and advised them to self-quarantine for 14 days. The laboratory unit in which the patient was an assistant was sealed, but work resumed in the other parts of the factory, the company’s managing director told ET. 75988925Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Bajaj Auto, Toyota Kirloskar Motors, Jindal Steel and Power, and JSW Steel said that they have developed similar SOPs to ensure the safety of all their employees while continuing production. “We are following strict and comprehensive protocols at all locations to ensure safety and provide reassurance,” said Rakesh Sharma, executive director at Bajaj Auto. “Despite this, incidence of Covid-19 cannot be ruled out. We will manage those and aim to continue operations.”Employees are being continuously monitored by wellness and safety departments, Hyundai said. Contact-tracing, self-isolation and disinfection are being practised in case of anyone showing symptoms of Covid-19. Some have mandated use of Aarogya Setu app, while others have developed in-house applications to monitor staff health.At Jindal Steel and Power, arrangements were being made to accommodate the staff within the townships adjacent.

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