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Apple supplier Foxconn partially resumes production at ‘closed-loop’ Shenzhen campuses amid tech hub’s Covid-19 surge

  • The iPhone manufacturer said Shenzhen factories will resume work while keeping employees confined to company campuses
  • Foxconn suspended operations on Monday, when Shenzhen initiated a citywide lockdown to fight its worst Covid outbreak in two years

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Foxconn workers make masks at a workshop in Shenzhen, southern Guangdong province, on March 17, 2020. Photo: Xinhua
Iris Deng
Apple supplier Foxconn Technology Group said its Shenzhen factories have restarted some production and operations under “closed-loop” management, which keeps all employees living and working on company campuses.

The resumption of business, following a two-day suspension amid a citywide lockdown, was only allowed on campuses that have both employee housing and production facilities, according to a statement on Wednesday from Foxconn, also known as Hon Hai Technology Group. The company said it has implemented the required health measures for the employees who live on campus.

The partial resumption of production at Foxconn’s two major Shenzhen campuses, located in Longhua and Guanlan districts, started on Wednesday, according to a Foxconn spokesman.

“This process … adheres to strict industry guidelines and closed-loop management policies issued by the Shenzhen government,” Foxconn said. “The company will continue to work closely with the relevant authorities in monitoring these operations very closely.”

Amid surging Covid-19 cases in Shenzhen, the company temporarily suspended operations on Monday, when the city’s lockdown started. The tech hub of 17 million people has closed public transport, including subways and buses, and ordered residents to work from home until March 20. The local government announced a plan to carry out three rounds of citywide Covid-19 tests this week.

Apart from firms offering essential public services and those ensuring daily supplies are delivered to Shenzhen and neighbouring Hong Kong, all other companies will need to follow the work-from-home policy or suspend operations, according to the Shenzhen government.

However, the government noted that industrial sites where workers live, work and commute in a closed environment can continue to operate normally with prevention measures in place.

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