Cochin Shipyard Suspends Operations Due to COVID-19

India's Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (CSL) said it has suspended shipbuilding and repair operations amid the coronavirus pandemic. It said "essential services' would continue.

Seven people have died and more than 400 have tested positive for COVID-19 in India, according to the health ministry, with more than 80 cities and districts placed under lockdown.

The full statement from the shipbuilder is below: 

In pursuance of the instructions of instructions of Govt of India dated 22 March 22, 2020 on the above subject, in order to control the community spread of COVID-19 and in continuation of the instructions issued earlier by CSL, it was now been decided to suspend all operations of CSL except the essential services from March, 23 2020 until further orders.