From Thursday, companies in Shanghai can apply for charter bus services to help their non-local employees return to work, the city’s road transportation bureau said.

After returning to Shanghai, employees must be placed under quarantine for 14 days.

After getting approval from the district government, companies can submit their application to the bureau along with a quarantine plan, a statement from employees’ hometown health authorities regarding their health within 14 days prior to the trip, and a transportation plan.

Trade associations and industrial parks can also submit applications.

Companies are required to make sure that their employees have their temperatures measured and wear masks before getting on the buses.

The charter buses can only transport people from places within 800 kilometers from Shanghai. A drive from Shanghai to Beijing is about 1,200 kilometers.

On the buses, every other seat has to be left unoccupied, and drivers’ health has to be ensured. The buses are not allowed to carry other passengers.

Applications can be delivered via express mail and fax. The fax number is 021-23196173. Service inquiries can be made via mobile phone at 13301663896.

The bureau said it will prioritize companies which produce goods used in combating the coronavirus outbreak, as well as makers of daily necessities and companies vital to maintaining fundamental city operations.