Bayer China employee sacked for breaking quarantine

A Bayer China employee had been dismissed after a viral video clip showed her running outside without a face mask during her home quarantine period, the company announced on Tuesday night.

In the clip, the woman, a Chinese-Australian who recently returned to Beijing, is seen arguing with a quarantine worker who dissuades her from jogging outside since she is still under 14-day home quarantine. Flouting the rules, she shouts “I need to do exercise! If I fall sick, who would take care of me? You?” "Help! I'm being harassed!"

The worker later calls police who warn her that no one is above the law, regardless of their nationality.

China has tightened quarantine procedures for people traveling from overseas to curb the spread of COVID-19. All people coming to Beijing from abroad should be quarantined in designated places or at home for observation for 14 days.

Bayer China said in a statement on its official Weibo account that the woman had been fired after the company investigated the situation and identified the woman concerned as an employee.

The pharmaceutical company said it firmly supports China in its fight against the COVID-19 epidemic and all of its employees should strictly abide by local government measures to contain the virus.