[Asia Economy Reporter Suyeon Woo] Kia Motors' Sohari plant has halted operations in its 1st and 2nd factories due to consecutive confirmed cases of COVID-19.
According to health authorities and Kia Motors as of 9 a.m. on the 17th, eight employees at the Sohari plant tested positive for COVID-19. As epidemiological investigations continue, the number of confirmed cases is expected to increase to around 10.
On the previous day, employee A (Yongin case number 349) from the Kia production line was confirmed positive, and three of his family members (Yongin case numbers 345?347) also tested positive. Additionally, five colleagues who had contact with A were confirmed positive.
A reportedly developed COVID-19 symptoms after attending a colleague’s funeral on the 12th. It is known that not only A but also many other plant employees visited the funeral hall, raising concerns about further confirmed cases.
Due to A’s positive diagnosis, Kia Motors stopped operations at Sohari Plant 2 the previous day, and on this day, both Sohari Plant 1 and 2 temporarily suspended operations, making production disruptions inevitable. Kia produces the Carnival, Stinger, and K9 models at Sohari Plant 1, and the Pride and Stonic models at Plant 2.
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