Ferrari take measures to combat coronavirus outbreak in Italy

Ferrari management have taken steps to ensure none of their employees at Maranello are at risk of coming in contact with the spreading coronavirus, which has already claimed seven lives in Italy.

Italy is the latest country to be affected by the pandemic, with half of Serie A’s planned fixtures for the weekend cancelled due to worries about the gathering of large crowds.

Formula 1 has already been affected by the coronavirus in that the Chinese Grand Prix has been cancelled, with the virus being originally spread in China.

Hamilton needs to feel Bottas' presence, says Nico RosbergRead more

So far, there have been 229 cases of exposure in Italy, and Ferrari are doing all they can to keep their employees safe, including closing down museum tours and minimising travel for the workers where possible.

“The most affected regions are Lombardy and Veneto, but also in Emilia-Romagna there are 9 sick people,” La Gazzetta dello Sport reports.

“As requested by the local authorities, the museums of Maranello and Modena have been closed and Ferrari has forbidden access to employees who are residents or who have visited the areas most affected by the infection.”

With the Chinese GP already cancelled, there has also been concern about the Vietnam Grand Prix due to the outbreak in Asia.

Spain’s El Confidencial newspaper reports that, out of the 22 countries initially on the F1 calendar for 2020, only seven of them are yet to report a coronavirus case - Monaco, the Netherlands, Azerbaijan, Austria, Hungary, Brazil, Mexico.

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Kelly Piquet emotional with Max Verstappen: 'I had no idea this was possible'

• Yesterday 22:57

When Susie met Toto: 'Instant attraction' and why she risked it all

• Yesterday 21:57

'I've had my time' - Lewis Hamilton's F1 retirement advice

• Yesterday 20:55

Max Verstappen to McLaren latest as insider says one key fact will decide F1 megadeal

• Yesterday 20:25

Toto Wolff has 'ace up his sleeve' for Mercedes F1 dynasty

• Yesterday 19:55

Red Bull chief tells McLaren 'We're going to keep him' as Lambiase saga drags on

• Yesterday 18:57