Skoda Auto Resumes Production At Czech Plants With Strict Hygiene Measures

• A nationwide lockdown was announced in the Czech Republic on March 16, 2020.
• Production to resume with strict hygiene and safety measures in place.
• Masks, disinfectant, and social awareness among steps taken to minimise risk.

Skoda Auto's plants at Mladá Boleslav, Kvasiny, and Vrchlabí in the Czech Republic have resumed operations almost two months after they were shut down. The move comes 39 days after a lockdown was enforced in the Czech Republic to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. On March 13, Europe was considered the active centre for the pandemic with every single country in the continent recording at least one case, including the Czech Republic which according to reports saw its first three cases on March 1, 2020. 

The government announced a state of emergency on March 13 and the country shut its borders and imposed a nationwide curfew three days later. Now, Skoda Auto will resume the production of vehicles and components while ensuring hygiene and safety. 

Skoda has taken this step in consultation with the trade union after certain guidelines were laid out. Workers will be equipped with protective face masks or respirators with an adequate supply of disinfectant in each corner of the plant. Posters in the workplace will work as reminders to maintain distance, refrain from physical contact, and sneeze or cough into the sleeves. Random temperature checks will also take place at the plant to minimise risk.

At the time of writing, the Czech Republic had reported a total of almost 7,500 cases with a reduction in new cases being reported daily. Skoda's sibling company, Volkswagen has also resumed production at its Wolfsburg plant. Skoda and Volkswagen have set the tone and other manufacturers are sure to follow. As the world battles the pandemic, the auto industry is desperately trying to get back on its feet, resorting to innovative ways of resuming business.