Taiwanese notebook makers upgrade measures to combat SARS

As the SARS outbreak has worsened in Taiwan, local notebook makers have adopted more aggressive steps to combat the virus. Major companies, including Quanta Computer and Compal Electronics, have banned visitors from entering their offices and factories, and have simulated countermeasures for the possible impact.Taiwanese notebook companies in general have shifted 70-80% of their production capacity to China. Less than a month ago, the companies still planned to use Taiwan as a back-up production site in case of disrupted production by SARS across the Taiwan Strait, but now they are worried about the safety of their headquarters.The loss will be enormous, the companies said, if the companies are forced to shut down their offices or factories, which could happen if even one staff member is suspected of contracting SARS.As of 9 am on May 15, Taiwan reported 1,076 probable, suspected and pending SARS cases, including 34 deaths, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) under Taiwan’s Department of Health (DOH).To keep the virus from entering its headquarters, Quanta, the largest notebook contract maker worldwide, has set up tents outside its buildings for all of its visitors. Compal has also built 12 meeting rooms outside its headquarters for the same use. Before last week, visitors could still get into the buildings after their body temperatures were measured to be normal.The next two weeks will be a crucial period to test Taiwan’ ability to combat SARS. If the situation continues to worsen, simply maintaining smooth production could become a major challenge for the companies through the end of this year, the companies said.To lower the risks, many companies have asked their employees to wear masks at work and to refrain from eating outside of their offices and homes. Employees have also been asked to reduce contacts in other public places and to use electronic devices like PC cameras and phones as alternative communications solutions.Still, the companies stressed that they have not experienced a direct impact and are prepared for various scenarios. Drills have been practiced from time to time on cases like production interruptions and staff infections, they added.Source: DigiTimes