Reuters
Foxconn employees wearing masks attend the company's year-end gala in Taipei.
Foxconn, the chipmaker that fuels production of Apple's iPhone, has made two huge decisions to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
Bloomberg also reported on Friday that the company told employees at its Shenzhen factory telling not to return to work on February 10, when work was originally scheduled to resume.
A memo to that effect was distributed to employees via text message:
"To safeguard everyone's health and safety and comply with government virus prevention measures, we urge you not to return to Shenzhen. We'll update you on the situation in the city. The company will protect everyone's work-related rights and interests in the duration. As for the happy reunion date in Shenzhen, please wait for further notice," read the message.
Foxconn was not immediately available for comment when contacted by Business Insider to ask whether the extended shutdown had impacted the production of masks and medical clothing in the Shenzhen facility.
Foxconn said last month that the virus outbreak would not affect iPhone production, but these new adaptations suggest the company has gone into overdrive. Earlier this week Nikkei Asian Review reported production of Apple's wireless AirPod earphones has taken a dent due to the crisis.