Co-founder of Microsoft Bill Gates announced that stores of the company in China had resumed their operations that may be a concrete example of how society may return to 'business as usual.' Microsoft already sent thousands of its workers back to China, where they would resume their posts and comply with precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the pandemic.
Bill Gates referred to Microsoft's China operations as the concrete example of how the economy can revert to normal despite the pandemic. In a lengthy blog post, the billionaire shared that change should be gradually imposed to test whether the contact level would increase the number of infections.
He added that countries might be able to take the practice as an example in imposing robust testing systems that may improve the acquisition of information when the problem surfaces.
At present, the company has gradually reopened its offices in China. Gates also shared that technological innovations may be crucial in reviving economies during or after the pandemic.
Gates also wrote about half of its 6,000 employees have resumed their posts in China while the others continue to serve their positions at home. Those who manifested symptoms were required to work from home while those allowed to fulfill their duties in the office have to wear masks and observe social distancing rules. Microsoft also provides its employees with hand sanitizers and intensively cleans its offices to ensure proper health measures. Some of its employees can travel only for 'exceptional reasons.'
Gates added that China has been conservative towards the reopening of its stores and has lifted lockdown measures earlier this month. The lifting allowed Chinese residents to leave their homes, travel by public transport, and resume their work posts. Companies such as Apple's largest manufacturing partner Foxconn has reopened its factories but continue to abide by the strict social distancing and temperature check measures.
The billionaire also discussed his views on which phase the pandemic is in and believes that there would be more infections in the next two months as the economy in China reopens with a semi-normal trend. Crowding is still prohibited and that the phase would even come with complications.
He added that activities that greatly benefit the economy and human welfare pose a small risk of infections. He, however, suggested that the economy is too interconnected that there exists no certainty about the safety of everyone who resumes their post.
Gates also highlighted that the resumption of school operations should be allowed, but sports events should remain postponed. Industries such as those engaged in manufacturing and food and beverage may also open, but these industries might still face issues such as supply-chain disruptions and transportation restrictions.
