***Alert – Important Coronavirus Information***

January 30, 2020 /

Today The World Health Organisation will decide whether to declare the epidemic an international public health emergency. Officials in China now say that 170 people have died of the disease and more than 7000 cases have been confirmed. Rail freight traffic from Hubei has come to a standstill and trains are not permitted to leave the province until the end of February. Presently rail freight traffic from other provinces is still moving. Xi’an, another major hub on the New Silk Road, has freight trains running in and out as normal and all other ports remain open. British Airways have also announced that it would suspend all direct flights to and from mainland China, others will follow, and supply chains are expecting to be hit. The Chinese Government has already extended the lunar new year holiday until 2 February, but workers in major cities of Shanghai and Ningbo have been told to stay home until at least the 10th of February. Keeping the above in mind we are constantly communicating with our partners in China. We are doing all we can to minimise disruption and will keep all customers informed of the latest developments. Congestion is to be expected but should there be further shut downs we will let you know. In the meantime if you have any questions or concerns please contact us directly. Thank you