This week has seen heightened concerns and more precautionary measures implemented over the spread of the infectious Novel Coronavirus as 23 countries now have confirmed cases. The US has just announced that they will place 195 evacuees from Wuhan and other US citizens returning from the Hebei province under quarantine for 14-days. The entry of foreign nationals who are not immediate family members of US citizens or permanent residents has been suspended. In China, the Lunar New Year celebrations have been extended by three days for most of the country, and through Feb. 9th in the areas hardest hit by the virus – Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, Xiamen, and Qingdao. Reduced labour and staff at marine terminals, warehouses, container freight stations, drayage companies and regulatory agencies was prevalent throughout the week. With already 40 blank sailings planned at the beginning of February, carriers are re-assessing what other network capacity adjustments might be needed.
