Haizhu has recently been providing temporary housing for couriers and deliverymen who cannot go home because of the current COVID-19 outbreak in the district.

Couriers and deliverymen have become important in ensuring food and living necessities supply under the current epidemic prevention and control measures, but some couriers and deliverymen must stay in Guangzhou's Haizhu district because their homes are in areas under strict closed control measures.

On Nov 12, the Haizhu district science, industry, and information bureau set up a temporary settlement in the Haizhu National Fitness Center for couriers, providing them a free place to rest.

Chen Biao is a deliveryman whose home was placed under closed control measures at the end of October due to the current COVID-19 outbreak in Guangzhou. As a result, Chen decided not to return to his home so that he can continue to work.

"The cost of staying at a hotel is not small at more than 100 yuan ($14) a day. Some colleagues are also saying that some hotels have recently been turned into quarantine hotels and have stopped accepting customers. We were all worried about where next accommodation was going to be when we heard the station manager say this morning that there was free accommodation. We finished work and immediately came," Chen said.

"The environment of the settlement is not bad. The beds, quilts, and pillows are all new. It was also very thoughtful to have new slippers, towels, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and other household items prepared. Things are very complete here."

The temporary settlement is located on the third floor of the badminton hall in the fitness center. Spanning more than 5,000 square meters, there are about 400 beds neatly arranged, with each bed having a quilt and a pillow. Each person staying at the settlement receives household necessities, such as a towel, a toothbrush, shower gel shampoo, and slippers.

Couriers and deliverymen in Haizhu district and outside the district can move in with their bags for free, but they must first register on the settlement's platform. Drinking water, toiletries, and free rechargeable batteries are also provided here. There are several centralized electric bicycle charging piles around the area, so that charging and parking needs can be met. According to the venue, more beds have been purchased and it can meet the accommodation needs of 900 people.

A staff member disinfects the temporary settlement. [Photo/WeChat account: gzhzfb]