Five Years Later: Webasto Reflects on Germany's First Confirmed COVID-19 Case

The auto supplier's CEO recounts the shock of the initial outbreak and the challenges faced during the early days of the pandemic.

Germany's first confirmed COVID-19 case was reported on January 27, 2020, involving a Webasto employee in Bavaria.
The infection was linked to a Chinese colleague who visited the company's headquarters after traveling from China.
Webasto temporarily closed its Stockdorf headquarters for two weeks, with all employees working remotely to prevent further spread.
In total, nine German and two Chinese Webasto employees, along with some family members, contracted the virus during the initial phase but fully recovered.
The pandemic officially ended in 2023, but Webasto employees still face public recognition tied to their role in Germany's first COVID-19 case.