Qingdao gradually resumes business and production

The eastern coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong province is gradually resuming business and production while it continues to fight the outbreak of novel coronavirus pneumonia, or NCP.

"In order to prevent and control the epidemic, we will make plans for economic and social development, gradually resume business and production, and ensure steady, sound economic development," said Wang Qingxian, Party secretary of Qingdao, on Feb 8.

Wang first visited the construction site of Haibo Bridge Station on metro line 1, where he learned about the plans for urban rail transit and the construction progress of metro line 1.

Qingdao metro line 1 is a cross-sea metro line. Its total length is 60.11 km and it has 41 stations, all underground. The line starts at Emeishan Road Station, connecting Huangdao district, Shinan district, Shibei district, Licang district and Chengyang district, and ends at Dongguozhuang Station.

The northern section of Qingdao metro line 1 (from Qingdaobei Railway Station to Dongguozhuang Station) is expected to open at the end of December.

Wang talked with the site manager and said that measures should be taken to prevent any workplace contagion and guarantee the health and safety of employees.

Qingdao Dingjin Food Company in Laoshan district is a manufacturer of drinking water and beverages. After the outbreak, the demand for drinking water has increased dramatically, and the company has organized for employees to work on different shifts in order to keep the machines running 24 hours a day.

Wang learned about the company's epidemic prevention measures, material reserves and employee dining.

He urged the company to guarantee the provision of protective materials and do everything it can to control the epidemic, ensure virus prevention equipment for staff, and maintain a clean work environment.

Wang also visited the Huaren Pharmaceutical Co in Laoshan district and learned about the company's epidemic prevention measures as well as its current operating conditions.

Wang said that government departments should offer solutions to local companies facing difficulties in the form of reduced logistics, employment aid and other methods.

On Feb 3, the Qingdao government rolled out 18 new policies related to recruitment, tax breaks and financial support to boost the development of local enterprises.