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| Workers of the largest iPhone factory in China flee after the outbreak of Corona |
The city in central China hastily made plans to isolate migrant workers who fled to their hometowns from China's largest iPhone factory for fear of the spread of the coronavirus after leaving the virus-ravaged factory in Zhengzhou.
Videos circulating on Chinese social media showed Foxconn factory workers climbing fences and carrying items along the road. And it was previously reported that some workers were isolated due to the outbreak of the disease.
Foxconn, one of Apple's major suppliers, is headquartered in Taiwan and employs about 200,000 people in the Jingju complex. The company did not disclose the number of workers injured or remaining, but said on Sunday that it would not prevent them from leaving the company.
Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan Province, reported 167 locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in the seven days ending October 29, compared to 97 cases in the previous seven days.
Late on Saturday, nearby cities including Liuzhou, Changjie and Kinyang urged iPhone factory workers to report to local authorities before returning home.
In a separate message to Foxconn employees on social media, authorities said returning employees will travel "point-to-point" in well-maintained vehicles and will be isolated upon arrival.
Pictures and videos circulating on Chinese social media since Saturday appear to show Foxconn workers returning home, wandering through fields during the day and along roads at night.
As part of China's very strict policy on non-proliferation, cities have been urged to move quickly to prevent an outbreak, with possible measures including a complete lockdown. On October 19, Foxconn banned dining in its canteens and required employees to eat in dormitories.
"The government has agreed to resume meals to improve employee comfort and satisfaction. In the meantime, the plant is working with the government to provide staff and vehicles for some employees who want to go home to provide an organized point-to-point return service," she added.
The disruption to trade and industry caused by China's policy on the coronavirus has intensified in recent weeks, with cases doubling.
"We recognize that given the current situation, this is a protracted battle," Foxconn said. The company added that the situation is gradually being brought under control and idle capacity is being coordinated with other factories to minimize any potential impact.