The company that assembles Apple’s iPhones has announced it is easing COVID-19 restrictions at its largest factory in China, causing thousands of workers to quit and drastically slowing production.
Foxconn Technology said in a statement to one of its officials WeChat According to social media reports, it would end the so-called “closed-loop” system at the facility in Zhengzhou, central China, which required workers to stay at their workstations and dormitories to prevent the spread of coronavirus infections .
The move, announced on Wednesday, came about a week after China began easing strict COVID-19 curbs despite signs of a rising number of infections.
Many “zero-COVID” restrictions have been lifted following a wave of protests across the country last month. That means people will no longer need to take frequent COVID-19 tests to travel on public transport. If they test positive for the virus, they can isolate themselves at home if they have only mild or no symptoms, rather than being sent to a quarantine center.
The government of Chinese President Xi Jinping remains officially committed to stopping the virus transmission. However, recent government moves suggest that authorities will tolerate more infections without quarantines or the closure of travel or businesses.
Thousands of workers at the huge Zhengzhou plant walked out in late October amid complaints about unsafe working conditions – such as food shortages due to closed cafeterias – and a virus outbreak at the plant.
The final quarter of the year is typically a busy season for companies like Foxconn as they ramp up production ahead of the year-end holiday rush. Apple has warned that iPhone 14 deliveries would be delayed due to production disruptions.
Foxconn, headquartered in New Taipei City, Taiwan, has been trying to rebuild its workforce after a massive strike in late October. The company finally apologized after a wage dispute sparked protests from workers who said Foxconn altered the wage terms it was offering to win them over to the factory.
In its announcement, the company said it would no longer offer free meals to workers as plant canteens reopened. Instead, meal costs will be deducted from staff wages as usual, although workers who are required to quarantine after testing positive for the virus will continue to receive free meals.
