Yum China Holdings, Inc. (the "Company" or "Yum China") (NYSE: YUMC) today announced that it has been actively mobilizing resources in a multi-pronged response to the outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). As part of its efforts, the Company immediately introduced enhanced preventative health measures that prioritize the health of employees and customers, including the introduction of innovative new contactless delivery and corporate catering services. Yum China has also donated funding, free meals, and volunteer time to support medical workers on the frontline.
"Throughout our response efforts, the health and safety of our employees and customers remains our top priority. My sincere appreciation goes to our employees who are working tirelessly to ensure that millions of people have access to healthy and nutritious meals," said Joey Wat, CEO of Yum China. "Yum China has a long-standing commitment to corporate social responsibility, including supporting the community during times of difficulty. While there are significant challenges, I believe there are also opportunities for Yum China to provide practical support to those working on the frontline. We will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with communities to respond to and recover from the outbreak."
Yum China has donated RMB 3 million to support hospital workers in Wuhan, and the Company's brands are also contributing in other ways. Since January 27, the KFC and Pizza Hut brands have been providing up to 1,500 free meals every day to medical workers in hospitals across Wuhan. The initiative has since been expanded, resulting in the delivery of over 70,000 free meals to nearly 500 hospitals and community health centers across mainland China. In addition, the Little Sheep brand has donated 20,000 instant hot-pots to numerous organizations actively involved in efforts to combat the coronavirus.
Once the outbreak was confirmed by the relevant authorities, Yum China acted quickly to put in place robust measures to help maintain the safety of employees and customers, while ensuring the continuity of services where appropriate. These measures include enhanced disinfection procedures, mandatory body temperature checks for all employees and the provision of protective masks. Yum China employees are being given additional support, following the launch of a recently upgraded employee insurance policy and a dedicated employee support hotline.
The Company's brands have also introduced innovative new services. Since January 30th, the KFC and Pizza Hut brands in China have rolled out contactless delivery services nationwide and contactless in store pick-up services at selected locations in China. These services help reduce the risk of person-to-person transmission of the coronavirus and have been well received by customers. In addition, with companies gradually returning to work following the extended Chinese New Year break, corporate catering services are helping employers to offer healthy and reliable dining options to their staff. To provide greater support and convenience for corporate customers, the KFC and Pizza Hut brands in China have launched an upgraded range of corporate catering solutions.
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