(WTXL) — Tech plants in Wuhan are still operating, bypassing quarantine guidelines to avoid major production disruptions, the Nikkei Asian Review reported.
The coronavirus quarantine in China doesn't apply to everyone or every business, as the government continues to push its national tech ambitions despite the epidemic.
As of Tuesday, more than 2,000 people in Wuhan had died due to the virus, and there are roughly 50,000 confirmed infections. The city has been on lockdown since Jan. 23 to contain the spread of the disease, but Wuhan plays a key role in China's initiative for a domestic high-tech industry.
There are two major tech factories in Wuhan, both owned by TCL. One is the biggest smartphone display production site, which accounts for 17 percent of global output.
The other is a new production facility for a type of advanced panel used in high-end handsets.
Both factories have been given special permits to deliver products from and send components to their facilities in Wuhan.
In addition to the delivery permits, TCL has also been allowed to bypass infection treatment regulations among its workers , according to Nikkei Asian Review.
Two employees at one of the factories contracted the coronavirus last month, but instead of being ordered to shut down the entire production line for inspection, as has become common practice, the company was advised to enforce a 14-day quarantine for anyone who worked the same shift as the two patients.
TCL counts Huawei, Oppo, Vivo and Xiaomi as its major clients.
Shipping is still being delayed due to massive staff shortages caused by the coronavirus outbreak.
