BMW shutting down SC plant because of issues caused by coronavirus pandemic
The BMW manufacturing plant in South Carolina will temporarily close because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
While there is concern about the rising number of positive COVID-19 cases, the primary reason the facility in Spartanburg is shutting down is because of supply issues, BMW officials said Wednesday in a news release.
There is currently no shelter in place order in South Carolina, but there are in several other states, which has disrupted the supply chain for the Spartanburg plant “sooner than anticipated,” according to the release.
BMW is closing the plant for two weeks, from Sunday though April 12, officials said.
It previously planned to shut down the plant for two weeks, beginning April 2. About 11,000 people work at the Spartanburg plant.
“The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in a very dynamic situation. We’ve had to adjust our plans accordingly,” it said in the release. “We will continue to monitor the ongoing situation very closely and adjust our plans as circumstances dictate.”
As recently as Monday, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said he was not planning on issuing a similar order across the state.
“At this time, ordering South Carolinians to shelter in place is not under consideration,” McMaster tweeted on Saturday. “If we all work together, act responsibly, and take necessary precautions, lives can be saved now.”
McMaster did issue a new measure on Monday that gives law enforcement more discretion to break up groups of three or more people.
BMW is not the only car manufacturer in South Carolina dealing with issues related to the coronavirus.
Volvo will close all U.S. and Swedish plants from March 26 to April 14, it said. That includes its plant in Ridgeville, Berkeley County, which employs roughly 1,500 workers and produces up to 150,000 cars per year. It is the only American plant the company has.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
What is coronavirus?
Coronavirus is an infection of the respiratory system similar to the flu. Coronaviruses are a class of viruses that regularly cause illnesses among adults and children, but this outbreak has spawned a new disease called COVID-19, a particularly harsh respiratory condition that can lead to death.
Health officials believe COVID-19 spread from animals to humans somewhere in China. It spreads among humans by physical person-to-person contact, including via coughs. That’s why health officials urge sick individuals to avoid contact with other people.
For more information, visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms are similar to the flu and include fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
How can I stop the spread of the coronavirus?
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
If you develop symptoms similar to the coronavirus, you should seek medical attention. Stay home from work or school and avoid contact with others. It can take up to 14 days after coming into contact with the virus to develop symptoms.
COVID-19 is a new condition and there’s much about the disease we still don’t understand. For now, taking precautions is the best way to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
On Tuesday, 44 new cases of the coronavirus were reported in South Carolina, bringing the statewide total to 342 confirmed COVID-19 cases in 36 counties, according to the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).
Four patients in Spartanburg County have tested positive for the coronavirus, according to DHEC.
DHEC also announced Tuesday that two more people died after testing positive for the coronavirus, raising that total to seven in less than two weeks. State health officials described all seven as elderly, and all but one had underlying medical conditions.
“We must continue to do all we can to protect ourselves and those around us, especially those at higher-risk for developing severe illness from the virus,” state epidemiologist Linda Bell said in a news release. “Based on our data as well as the data shared by other states and other countries, we, in South Carolina, should expect to see the number of positive cases continue to increase. This disease is here, it’s in our communities, and we all have a part to play in helping to stop the spread of it.”
DHEC is encouraging people to practice “social distancing” to help stop the spread of the virus. Social distancing is staying away from unnecessary interactions with sick people and from large groups of people; it also calls for remaining at home unless it is absolutely necessary to go out.
Symptoms of coronavirus can include a fever, coughing, and difficulty breathing, according to the CDC. Among the emergency warning signs of COVID-19 is trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, and blueish lips or face, the CDC said.
The best way to prevent infection is to frequently wash hands for 20 seconds; avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth; avoid contact with sick people and clean frequently touched objects with a cleaning spray or wipe, according to the CDC. DHEC also recommends covering your cough, staying home when sick, and disposing tissues and other items that you’ve sneezed or coughed into.
Free online screenings also can be accessed by all South Carolina residents, by going to scdhec.gov/COVID19.
Prisma Health is also offering free access to medical professionals for those who think they may have coronavirus, The State reported. People experiencing COVID-19 symptoms can go to https://www.prismahealth.org/virtual-visit/ and schedule a free online visit, Prisma officials said.
As of Wednesday morning, 428,405 people worldwide have been diagnosed with coronavirus and 19,120 people have died, while 109,926 recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University. In the United States, 55,225 people have been diagnosed with the novel virus. In the U.S. 802 deaths have been reported, including 192 in New York City, according to Johns Hopkins.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREThis is a breaking news story
In a breaking news situation, facts can be unclear and the situation may still be developing. The State is trying to get important information to the public as quickly and accurately as possible. This story will be updated as more information becomes available, and some information in this story may change as the facts become clearer. Refresh this page later for more updated information.
This story was originally published March 25, 2020 at 8:43 AM.
