How one firm adapted to Covid-era life in China With China and Italy under lockdown and the coronavirus officially declared a pandemic, the global economy is groaning and supply chains are disrupted. Industry Europe caught up with Ronan Ye, Managing Director of high-quality prototyping company 3ERP to get his insights on the damage done and how COVID-19 has been affecting business.
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ndustry Europe: Firstly, I’d like to thank you for chatting with us about this urgent issue. I very much hope yourself and your family are safe and sound. The city of ZhongShan, where 3ERP is headquartered, has seemingly escaped the worst of the coronavirus. In the city there have been 66 confirmed cases and thus far no fatalities. Nonetheless, what is the situation like in the city at present? Ronan Ye: Actually, ZhongShan had just two cases yesterday, they are back from Spain. After 23 days without any new cases. They have been sent to the hospital immediately, and the living garden where they live is sealed down. Government departments will arrange people to take care of their daily life for sure. If they want to buy things, what they need to do is send a message, then, they will get things delivered to their door.
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Well one month ago, it was really tough for everyone in ZhongShan. I guess same everywhere in China. Panic and pressure! That’s normal when things are unclear. Me and my family spend all the time in the house. We didn’t go out unless it is really necessary, like buying food and daily stuff. Good thing is, finally, I spend lots of time with my family. Have never done that before. Now, people are starting to calm down a little bit here. By the way, anyone who is identified as a coronavirus infected person, the country will pay everything for the treatment. As you know, it is huge amount of money for people with average income. That’s another reason that people stop worry that much. IE: What steps have you been taking to protect your staff?
RY: First of all, all people who come to work have to wear mask. Our company has also prepared enough masks for our staff. When they come to work, they will wear the new mask from the company. We also inspect the body temperature. And we change the mask within 4 hours. Spray the medical alcohol to the hands and feet. Spray disinfectant twice a day. In the old days, we have lunch and dinner together. But now, we take meals individually. IE: Can you tell me about ways in which the outbreak has affected your suppliers or distributors? RY: Tough. We have set up a stick rule to come back to work. And people were not able to travel freely, which mean people won’t be able to come to work on time. But our customers keep sending us orders. That
