Coronavirus lands at BMW, automaker quarantines 150 employees

A BMW employee in Germany tested positive for COVID-19 and did not travel abroad.

By: Sean Szymkowski Road/Show by CNET

The coronavirus has, so far, defined 2020. The novel virus that first emerged in China has spread to numerous countries around the world, and it continues to impact global business, including automakers.

Although Germany has already reported cases of the coronavirus, it's specifically landed at BMW. The automaker has placed 150 employees under at-home quarantine after an employee tested positive for the virus, Automotive News Europe reports. 

The unnamed employee, who did not travel abroad, works in the company's research and development center and may have come in contact with the employees who have been quarantined. BMW didn't immediately return Roadshow's request for comment, but the automaker told Automotive News Europe the affected area has been closed for disinfection. Operations will continue as normal, according to the report, and most importantly, the employee is doing well.