COVID-19 Case Confirmed at Kia Sohari 2 Plant... "Operations Halted"

Production Line Stopped from Around 7:30 AM

Kia Motors Sohari Plant, which was closed in June due to COVID-19 confirmed cases (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] Kia Motors' Sohari Plant 2 has suspended operations due to a confirmed case of COVID-19.

According to Kia Motors on the 16th, an employee working on the production line at Sohari Plant 2 tested positive for COVID-19. The employee was tested after their spouse was confirmed positive and received the diagnosis on the same day. This employee had worked at the plant for two days prior to the test. Consequently, the production line at Sohari Plant 2 was halted from around 7:30 a.m. that day.

A Kia Motors official stated, "We have conducted thorough disinfection of the confirmed case's workplace and movement paths," adding, "Additional measures will be taken according to the guidelines of health authorities, and future schedules will be determined based on the results of the epidemiological investigation."

Since Sohari Plant 2 produces export-focused models such as the Pride and Stonic, concerns have been raised about potential disruptions to exports. In particular, worries are growing as it is known that the employee had contact with a considerable number of people and also visited the company's medical office.