Hanoi enterprises adjust business operations against nCoV outbreak

A number of enterprises in Hanoi have been actively setting up measures to ensure production and business activities, as well as the well-being of their employees amid the outbreak of the new coronavirus (nCoV), Hanoi’s government portal reported.

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Over the past few days, local enterprises have purchased equipment and provided measures to prevent the spread of the outbreak, while employees are advised to adopt protective measures at workplace and home.

Yamaha Motor Vietnam, located at Noi Bai Industrial Park, conducted body temperature checks for its workers and visitors right on the first working day after the Lunar New Year holiday.

Security guards at the company said visitors going through the gates would have their body temperature checked. Additionally, leaflets providing information regarding symptoms and ways to prevent the spread of the outbreak are available at each check point.

Phan Thanh Hai, head of the worker union at Meiko Vietnam in Thach That industrial park, said in addition to protective gears and face masks provided to workers, the company has increased the supply of face masks to those at the workplace, at the same time equipping hand sanitizers at each door.

Moreover, the issue of food safety is also of concern for many enterprises during the epidemic.

Le Tien Truong, CEO of Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex), said current orders of the company have not been able to be delivered to Chinese partners as border gates remained closed for the time being. To mitigate the impacts of such delay, some are seeking solutions to postpone shipment or adjusting contract terms.

Vice General Director of Central Retail Group Nguyen Thi Phuong said the retail firm is committed to helping farmers sell agricultural products, especially dragon fruit and watermelon.

Besides domestic companies, foreign-invested companies are stepping up efforts to prevent the spread of this deadly virus. For example, Samsung Vietnam requested body temperature check for employees and expected them to wear face masks at work place.

Samsung Vietnam has also suspended collective activities and promoted anti-virus measures.

A representative of an FDI company said it is actively searching alternatives to Chinese input materials as the outbreak is disrupting the existing supply chains.

Regarding the impact of closure of border gates between China and Vietnam on bilateral trade flows, Tran Thanh Hai, deputy head of the Import – Export Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, said although the Huu Nghi Border Gate has been reopened since February 3, the progress of customs clearance remains slow due to strict sanitation measures.

Moreover, truck drivers are concerned by the fact that they have to be in quarantine for 14 days after going through the border gates, Hai added.