In parallel with many pandemic prevention measures, Hoa Phat Dung Quat Steel JSC has been actively implementing the vaccination against the COVID-19. As of September 15, 2021, all of the company's employees have been vaccinated with the first dose. It is expected that by the beginning of November 2021, Hoa Phat Dung Quat Steel JSC will complete the second dose for its employees. The company only allows contractors, partners, suppliers and customers who have been vaccinated to enter the Hoa Phat Dung Quat Steel Integrated Complex.

All of employees at Hoa Phat Dung Quat Steel JSC have been vaccinated against the COVID-19 pandemic

Anti-pandemic in 6 subdivisions, strictly implementing 5K, screening and "3 on-site"

In addition to speeding up the vaccination schedule, the company has implemented a series of drastic and serious pandemic prevention solutions. As soon as the first outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, the company established the Disease Prevention and Control Department to act as the focal point to advice the Board of Directors. The department help direct and administer the pandemic prevention and control (PCD) in the the whole company quickly, uniformly and efficiently. The company's PCD has developed detailed anti-pandemic scenarios and plans which are suitable to the characteristics of each department as well as requirements corresponding to each pandemic level. It also organizes dissemination, drills and training on tracing and rapid testing for the Quick Response Teams of all departments. 

In order to proactively detect infections in a timely manner and reduce the infection risk, the company purchased a large number of COVID-19 quick test kits and self-administered quick tests for its employees, especially those working at high-risk areas. The company also signed contracts with medical units to organize PCR test for all employees with a frequency equal to and higher than the authorities’ regulations. Contractors working at the company are also required to be tested periodically according to regulations from time to time based on the actual pandemic situation.

The company's employees are being taken samples for RT-PCR testing

In order to ensure distance, limit contact and the narrowest blockade range when discovering infections, the company has divided the complex area into 6 subdivisions. Each subdivision is arranged to enter into a different gate. Departments in each subdivision, workshops and teams in each division are also separated from each other by separating fences and access control points. The company has installed partitions at the dining tables, divided the mealtime frame, the flow of meals and separate dining areas for each department and workshop.

Hoa Phat Dung Quat Steel JSC strictly follows the regulations on allocating a maximum of less than 50 per cent of the seats on shuttle bus for employees. Each bus is allowed to carry only one department's employees instead of different parts. Each employee is assigned a fixed seat. The "3 on-site" option is also considered and carefully prepared for accommodation at the factory for over 9,000 people in case of need.

QR Code applied for access and internal medical declaration gate

Stemming from the requirement of fast data processing and applying information technology in PCD, the company has self-developed an online medical declaration system for its employees and contractors. This application minimizes the need for employees to declare via paper. The data collection is completely automatic and fast with functions to help employees declare health, epidemiology, daily contact, update change of current residence immediately upon arising as well as update documents related to PCD etc.

Currently, the company is also piloting a system to manage access to internal control points with QR codes. This application helps to replace taking notes with a manual that takes a long time and has a high risk of infection. Data is collected quickly and automatically. The system is expected to put into operation soon in the near future.

PCD also continuously promoted information and propaganda activities with clear messages on 5K, guiding employees to voluntarily improve their health to effectively prevent the pandemic. Social networking platforms, websites, electronic board systems and control screens are fully utilized to spread information.

With synchronous and effective measures in production operation and pandemic prevention, Hoa Phat Dung Quat Steel Joint Stock Company has achieved positive results. In the past 8 months of the year, the company’s crude steel output was two times higher than the same period last year. Its finished construction steel grew by 37.5 per cent in the eight month period. The company has ensured stable production growth, income and life of 12,000 employees.

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