As the novel coronavirus COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the U.S., General Motors CEO Mary Barra has issued a notice informing GM employees to work from home if possible.
“If the nature of your work allows for it, we are asking all GM employees and contract workers to work remotely, beginning Monday, March 16,” the notice reads. “This policy applies globally, apart from our team in China, which has existing protocols in place. Please speak with your direct manager about what this means for you.”
GM CEO Mary Barra
The notice is similar to plans announced by Ford and FCA, both of which are advising that employees work from home if possible.
“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,” the notice outlines. “It also helps conserve critical resources like cleaning crews, medical staff, and supplies so they can be deployed where they are most needed.”
The notice also addresses those employees who are unable to work remote. “We are taking every precaution to ensure our teams remain safe and are adjusting manufacturing, Global Product Development, Customer Care and Aftersales and Contact Center work schedules to allow for additional cleaning.”
The novel coronavirus COVID-19 has now been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, with roughly 139,000 cases worldwide, and more than 5,000 deaths. More than 10 cases have been reported in Michigan, the heart of the U.S. auto industry. The virus has also halted production in China, while a number of auto-related events, including the Geneva International Motor Show, New York International Auto Show, and debut of the all-new Cadillac Lyriq EV crossover have either been canceled or delayed.
Moving forward, Bara says that GM’s IT capabilities are up to the task of handling employees working remotely in the face of the novel coronavirus.
“Given the current drop is use of public transportation and extensive flight cancellations, our customers are looking to us more than ever to ensure they have the vehicles, parts and services they need,” the notice reads.
Comments
Sounds like a good move.
This is getting crazy. Ive sold $1500 in hand sanitizer today.
there seems to be a disconnect between what we are being told about the virus threat and the response to contain it.
if this is a virus that is especially dangerous to older people with underlying health problems, that sounds a lot like a bad flu strain.
so why the huge response to shut down everything? sounds like it is a lot more dangerous than what we are being told.
The truth is as they have stated some things they know and much they are yet to learn. Being cautious is wise but still not to panic is wiser.m
The main point right now is to prevent a rapid spread as even two percent of the population would over run a medical system not set up for that many critical respiratory cases. There is not any hospitals set up for even hundreds of broken arms.
The virus is going to spread most will just have mild symptoms but those with respiratory issues heart and diabetic issues could be more at risk.
If they slow the spread it will help ensure the medical facilities and staffs from being over run.
It appears if they can prevent contact for two weeks it slows the problems.
This is a good thing we’re it can be done.
The greatest fear is this turns into a new strain or stronger strain. Unlike Flu they are not sure what it could do.
less than a week ago, trump and his allies were dismissing the virus as a conspiracy. nothing more than the flu.
now everything is being shutdown and a national emergency declared.
looks like at least one person is hitting the panic button.
Well now that we see the results of the shut down in China it has given officials and doctors more data to work with.
There are no plans for this virus as there is no way to plan for the unknown.
There will be a lot of fast learning and sharing of ideas globally.
The only know way known to slow the virus is isolation as there is no cure and will not be one for a while.
The key is not to let people panic as only a small percentage will be at risk but we still need to make moves to protect them.
The call for the emergency was not a panic move but a way to release additional funding to states and agencies more money and supplies to deal with what they may need.
The panic button was in NY where a governor called out the national guard for a 1 mile area? It won’t hurt anything accept it could panic people in the area.
The real key now is to get people to remain calm for a couple weeks and see if we get the decline as China has seen in the virus.
If it goes that way we could see the light at the end of the tunnel by mid to late spring.
The Markets should also recover for the most.
Some countries will not fare as well as the health of the people and age could make things worse for them.
The real key to the future is to return medical production back to our country and prepare that someone in the future does not do the same thing with a more dangerous bug.
As things go this is like fighting a war vs an unknown enemy. Mistakes will be made but in the end they will win the war. The key is getting people to cooperate till we see the decline.
Or worse yet play political games with though a small percentage of people at risk but they are still at risk.
I like how they have gotten companies to work together for a common good. This is what it took to win WW2 and will help make things go smoother in getting things done.
too bad trump is no fdr.
to paraphrase truman, with trump “the buck stops over there”.
The U.S. Surgeon General has said that the average age of death from Covid-19 is OVER 80 YEARS of AGE. Almost all have been individuals with pre-existing health issues.
He also stated that those who become infected with Covid-19, and become ill enough to seek medical attention for Covid-19 average OVER 60 YEARS of AGE. Most of these individuals also have pre-existing health conditions.
He then went on to say that 80-85% of those infected with Covid-19 will either have no symptoms (i.e., their own immune system will defeat the virus) or they will develop cold or flu-like symptoms and fully recover.
Given these facts, as based on the disease stats observed in China, Italy and other affected countries, is the current U.S. panic (and associated self-inflicted economic damage) proportionate to the Covid-19 illness risks?
I don’t think so.
Instead, we should be taking care of the elderly and others at risk for serious illness, the majority of whom are retired. This would minimize significant economic impact to the U.S. economy.
Coming out with strong opinions with so little known about the virus might be irresponsible. One area of controversy is testing and the availability of testing kits. Proper testing could be the key to returning to normalcy. Testing protocols could easily be the strongest remedy for certain parts of the industries, manufacturing and sports where crowds are really optional, such as golf and tennis. Television might develop special contracts that would keep things moving for athletes who’ve trained so hard for so long. Testing of officials, players and coaches and support personnel. There might be a limited admission for reporters who are tested for the virus. Not sure about limited access to luxury boxes and how the public would perceived that.
How about Mary Barry getting down from her high tower and go visit some plants now. Let’s see her go shake hands with all the employees who can’t work from home. They are forced to work under threat of reprisals up to dismissal if they dont show up for work. I didn’t see that on the friends and family commercials.
Either close down the plants like China did or get your lazy ass down on the plant floor. POS