The coronavirus has already rocked global markets and disrupted supply chains. It has closed a recruitment firm in Dublin for two days as a preventative measure, and it has caused a fall in trade in Asian businesses here.
Wuhan City in the Hubei province is a significant hub in the global supply chain. Carlow-based hydraulic cylinder manufacturer, Burnside Eurocyl, has suppliers in the region. The company has been contacted by its large customers, including JCB and John Deere, asking Burnside to check how its suppliers in China may be affected by the virus.
"There was already some elevated levels of stock because a lot of businesses were preparing for the Chinese New Year celebrations when factories would close. By having extra material in the supply chain, it allowed businesses mitigate against the effect of the virus on the supply chain." The global markets have been affected by the spread of the coronavirus. It triggered a sharp fall in Chinese shares as markets opened after the Lunar New Year, and a spike in new cases in China weighed on sentiment during the past week.
Hibergene already has 10 diagnostic tests on the global market with "a very high level of accuracy" that improve clinical and economic outcomes. "Our distribution partners will start the regulatory approval process," she said. "We are working towards optimisitic timelines." Since some employees who visited Singapore had also visited Indeed's Dublin offices, the company asked all employees to work remotely.
ISME does not believe there is cause for concern, but it is advising its members to prepare should the outbreak spread here.