A new cluster of COVID-19 cases in Taiwan has Apple’s Chip Supplier TSMC implementing new safety measures at their Taoyuan Plant

On January 8^th Patently Apple posted a report regarding Apple’s chip supplier TSMC delivering a record quarter based on the strength of iPhone 12 shipments. Trying to keep up with iPhone 12 demand is paramount at TSMC as Apple uses their advanced 5nm processors. A new report today claims that Taiwan is being hit by another round of COVID-19 cases and TSMC is implementing strict new protocols that employees must adhere to.

TSMC announced today that employees who have visited the Ministry of Taoyuan Hospital for medical treatment or consultation won’t be able to enter their factory as the hospital is experiencing an expanded cluster of COVID-19 cases.

The Central Epidemic Command Center announced yesterday that contacts related to Taoyuan from the 6th to the 19th will have to now live in isolation for 14 days. It is estimated that nearly 5,000 people will be enrolled in the quarantine period. They will be inspected and undergo 7 days of independent health management.

In response to the epidemic situation, TSMC is strictly implementing all necessary prevention measures requiring employees to update their health declarations and body temperature tracking daily, in addition to strengthening employees’ awareness of epidemic prevention.

Further, TSMC reminded employees to avoid face-to-face contact with unspecified objects and avoid entering and leaving medical institutions; reduce guests or visitors to TSMC, and try to adopt online or remote conference mode.

TSMC also recommends reducing employees’ participation in external education and training or commercial and academic exchange activities; avoid participating in large-scale indoor and outdoor gatherings, and cancel non-essential gatherings and activities.

TSMC’s plant in Taoyuan makes Apple processors.