Migrant workers in central China are fleeing one of the world’s largest iPhone Factories amid a coronavirus outbreak in Zhengzhou, prompting local officials to scramble to devise plans to isolate them once they return to their hometowns.
In the seven days ending Oct. 29, Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan Province, reported 167 locally transmitted Covid-19 cases, up from 97 infections in the previous seven days.
Foxconn, based in Taiwan, employs approximately 200,000 people at its Zhengzhou complex. The company has not disclosed the number of infected employees but stated on Sunday that it will not prevent workers from leaving.
Cities near Zhengzhou, including Yuzhou, experienced heavy rain late Saturday.
Cities near Zhengzhou, such as Yuzhou, Changge, and Qinyang, urged Foxconn employees to report to local authorities ahead of time before returning home late Saturday.
Returning workers will travel “point-to-point” in pre-arranged vehicles and will be quarantined upon arrival, according to separate letters posted on their respective social media accounts to Foxconn employees in Zhengzhou.
Under China’s strict zero-Covid policy, cities are required to respond quickly to any outbreaks, including full-scale lockdowns. Foxconn banned all dine-in at canteens on October 19 and required workers to eat in their dormitories.
“The government agreed to resume dine-in meals to improve the convenience and satisfaction of employees’ lives,” Foxconn said in an emailed response to Reuters’ questions on Sunday.
“At the same time, the (plant) is collaborating with the government to organize personnel and vehicles to provide a point-to-point orderly return service for employees beginning today.”
Disruptions to commerce and industry caused by China’s Covid policies have increased in recent weeks as cases multiply. Shanghai Disney Resort announced its closure on Monday due to Covid-19 prevention measures, while Universal Beijing Resort was set to reopen on Tuesday after being closed since last Wednesday for the same reason.
“We are very aware that under the current circumstances, it will be a long battle,” Foxconn said.
However, the situation is gradually improving, according to Foxconn, and the company will coordinate backup production capacity with its other plants to minimize any potential impact on iPhone Production.
Photos and videos that have been circulating on Chinese social media since Saturday show Foxconn employees, who appear to be returning home, trekking across fields during the day and along roads at night.
According to social media posts, residents in the area left bottled water and provisions next to roads with signs such as “For Foxconn workers returning home.”
“Some people were walking amid wheat fields with their luggage, blankets, and quilts,” one WeChat user wrote about the images.
