The Mercedes Formula 1 team is keeping i꧋ts UK-based factories open for the ๊time being amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

Mercedes, along with Renault, confirmed on Monday that its pers🔥onnel that traveled to the cancelled Australian Grand Prix have undergone a precautionary 14-day self-isolation period upon their return from Melbourne after an outbreak of coronavirus in the F1 paddock caused the planned season-opener to be called oꦆff.

McLaren withdrew from the event after a member of its team contracted COVID-19, resulting in the Melbourne race being postponed. The crew member has since recovered and is no lꦬonger showing symptoms of the flu-like virus.

In line with government advice, reigning world champions Mercedes𒐪 are set to continue their operations at their Brackley and Brixworth bases until further notice. The German manufacturer confirmed that it has had no cases of coronavirus to date.

“Our factories remain open at this time, in line with UK government advice,” a Mercedes spokesperson sa🎐id.

“We have had no cases so far in either facility. Team members returning from Australia will be isolating for 14 days t🥂o minimise any risk of infection.”

Amid the ongoing crisis i꧑n Italy - which is the worst-affected Euroဣpean country - Ferrari has temporarily halted all manufacturing production at its F1 and road-car factories until the end of March.

The delayed 2020 seasoꦜn is now set to begin at the end of May at the earliest after races in Australia, Bahrain, China and Vietnam were all postponed, with serious doubts lingering over whether events in the Netherlands and Spain can be staged.