The resurgence of COVID-19 cases in Taiwan has not boded well for businesses there, and those owned by stars haven’t been spared either, with many changing operating hours or closing down temporarily amidst the tightened measures.

However, there is one star-founded company that allegedly hasn’t been keeping in line with government restrictions.

Recently, employees of Jay Chou’s streetwear label PHANTACi, specifically those working in the office in Taipei’s Eastern District, claimed that their bosses have been ignoring safety regulations and requiring everyone to still physically be at work every day.

What’s more, workers were even instructed to come into the office on Saturdays and public holidays. This makes them worry not just for their lives, but also that they might be breaching government measures.

PHANTACi director and co-founder Ric Chiang, a long-time friend of Jay’s, has since responded to the allegations, calling them completely untrue.

He said that ever since the Level 3 restrictions were announced in mid-May, employees have stopped going to work and have been granted paid leave.

While their office reopened on May 24 and their stores resumed business on June 3, the staff are segregated for their safety and travel to and from work outside of the usual rush hours. Those who need to work on a public holiday are also given time off.

Ric added that strict crowd control measures have been implemented at the boutiques as well, with only one customer or one group of two customers being allowed into the shop at a time.

According to reports, Ric personally handled store operations by himself during the first two weeks of paid leave. Employees have also discussed going to work on alternate days of the week.

Under Taiwan’s Level 3 restrictions, employees are still allowed to continue working, but companies must abide by COVID-19 guidelines and enforce measures such as staggered shifts or working from home.

Photos: PHANTACi/Facebook, Jay Chou/Instagram