The number of new coronavirus cases and deaths held close to record daily highs on Monday, increasing calls for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government to fully lock down the world's second-most populous country.

A decision taken by many industrial giants, Yamaha Motor Co. released a statement saying that  it will temporarily suspend its motorcycle production at two plants in India to protect employees from a surge in coronavirus infections.

The plants in Surajpur, Uttar Pradesh and Chennai in Tamil Nadu state will halt production between May 15th and 31st 2021 and a decision on whether the plants will resume production in June onwards will be made after assessing the situation , the Japanese company said.

"The step has been taken to support the government in its fight against COVID-19 and break the chain of COVID-19 transmission. In the current scenario, the health and safety of its employees is the top priority for the company. Yamaha will continue to work closely with its dealers and suppliers to minimise the impact of this interruption and focus on optimisation of stock. The employees working at the corporate office and area offices shall work from home to preserve business continuity while providing the best possible support to customers and business partners," the company said.

Many Indian states have imposed strict lockdowns over the past month as Covid-19 infection rates soared.

The number of new coronavirus cases and deaths held close to record daily highs on Monday, increasing calls for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government to fully lock down the world's second-most populous country. Meanwhile, the company would be taking steps to secure the employees well-being and livelihood.