Taiwan is a semiconductor powerhouse. The country is playing a pivotal role in meeting demand as the world faces a global chip shortage. But cluster infections at three tech facilities in Miaoli County have highlighted vulnerabilities that could threaten future production. COVID-19 cases are on the rise in the western county, with the total number of confirmed cases reaching 308 on Monday.
King Yuan Electronics, Greatek Electronics, and Accton Technology are three Taiwanese tech firms in the news… not for their tech products but because of their COVID-19 cluster infections. All three are in the western county of Miaoli. And the hardest hit? King Yuan’s facility, with 235 COVID cases.
The cluster infection at King Yuan’s facility began among migrant workers, many of whom live in close quarters in shared dormitories. Officials say those conditions could cause the virus to spread more quickly. That’s why King Yuan has put its migrant workforce on paid leave and sent them to a quarantine center.
King Yuan closed its factory for two days to undergo disinfection. On Monday, Taiwanese workers returned to the factory, where they were met with stricter prevention controls. A King Yuan representative says that the company has redistributed its workforce to maintain output.
Smaller clusters at Greatek and Accton are being closely monitored. Accton has set up rapid testing outside of its factory, but the factory remains closed.
Miaoli County government has also set up rapid testing centers near the migrant worker dormitories to test locals who live in the neighborhood. With the country’s prize industry at stake, officials are not taking any chances.