When is the best time for migrant workers to return home? Do I need to be quarantined after returning?

As time goes by, it is already the Lantern Festival. In the past, most friends would have already started work at this time, but this year, due to the impact of the new coronavirus, the start time of work has been delayed across the country. So when is the best time for migrant workers to return home? How to take preventive measures? Do I need to be quarantined after returning? Let’s take a look at the expert advice.

When will the migrant workers start their return journey?

According to the conversation with Yang Zhiming, a special researcher at the State Council's Advisory Office: In the context of fighting the epidemic, it is recommended to stagger return trips and resume work in batches.

① Manufacturing industry can resume work in batches after the fifteenth day of the first lunar month according to the requirements of local governments.

② Construction industry: workers can gradually return after February 24.

③Service industry: the return time will be determined based on market recovery.

④Industries such as express delivery, food delivery, and online ride-hailing will gradually resume work as the market recovers.

What should migrant workers pay attention to when returning home?

Yang Zhiming: Before departure, we must ensure that all travellers have a safe travel record and that there is no sign of illness in the past ten days. For migrant worker friends, they need to solve the habit of being in good health and not caring; they need to solve the habit of not wearing masks and not washing hands frequently; they need to solve the habit of gathering with fellow villagers after returning home. Be sure to wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, and avoid gatherings.

Do migrant workers need to be quarantined for 14 days after returning?

Yang Zhiming: According to the basic requirements of cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, migrant workers returning home generally need to be quarantined for 14 days. Companies need to be prepared, such as building isolation rooms and making their own masks.

Can wages be paid normally during the quarantine period?

Yang Zhiming: The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security gave a very good explanation. If an enterprise is in difficulty, it can compensate by adjusting holidays; if it is able, wages should still be paid according to working days.

I hope everyone will pay attention to self-protection on the way back. If the factory or company you are in has not started work yet, it is recommended to travel during off-peak hours.