In a bid to ensure the city's return to work and production, Quanzhou in East China's Fujian province has provided charter fights and buses for its returning workers during the novel coronavirus epidemic.

On Feb 18, eight charter buses took 129 returning workers from southwestern Guizhou province, as well as 180 new employees going to a special jobs fair in the city.

The seating rate of each coach was controlled at 50 percent and the workers were seated separately from each other. Each coach was equipped with a doctor.

Officials said drivers and passengers wore masks throughout the journey.

A total of 309 workers from Guizhou province arrive in Quanzhou by eight charter coaches on Feb 18. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"We want to thank Quanzhou for its special organization in picking up the migrant workers. Staff often contacted us via WeChat and phone and reminded us to take relevant protection measures,” said Li Changwen, an employee of Quanzhou Jinjiang Fenfa Rubber and Plastic Products Co.

On the day, companies such as Fujian Qipai Group and Fujian Panpan Foods also held a special jobs fair.

“This is my first visit to Quanzhou. I hope to find a job and start a new life here,” said Zhang Qiuxiang, a young woman from Guizhou province.

In addition to chartering coaches, the city also organized charter flights to pick up employees to return to work, according to Ke Fayin, director of the bureau of human resources and social security of Jinjiang in Quanzhou.

During the epidemic period, Quanzhou has focused on epidemic prevention and control, while promoting the resumption of work and production, to boost its economic and social development.

Statistics showed that as of Feb 18, the number of industrial companies to have resumed work above a designated size in the city had reached 71.5 percent.