“This will allow sufficient time to implement stringent health and safety conditions in terms of hygiene, cleaning and self-distancing, while improving the efficiency of operations under the new working conditions,” the company said in a statement on Tuesday, adding that it will allow its staff to work remotely wherever possible.

Airbus’ announcement came shortly after France and Spain imposed drastic measures to battle the outbreak. On Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron ordered a 15-day lockdown for the entire country.

Earlier, Volkswagen’s Spanish unit SEAT announced that it will halt all car production. The measure comes into force on Tuesday.

On Monday, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Peugeot maker PSA Group said they are halting almost all car production across Europe as EU member states started to introduce nationwide lockdowns in an effort to contain the coronavirus outbreak.

For more stories on economy & finance visit RT's business section