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British Officials Plan for Coronavirus, as Economists Divided on Impact

Jamie Dettmer

   LONDON - The British government is drafting contingency plans to cope
   with factory shutdowns in China spurred by the coronavirus outbreak.

   British officials are adapting plans they drew up in readiness for a
   no-deal Brexit amid rising fears that China will have to close more
   cities and shutter factories as the virus spreads, causing a shortage
   of parts and manufactured goods.

   Among the worries, officials say British, are short supplies of
   life-saving medical equipment and components for business supply
   chains. British companies are being urged to scout out alternative
   supply sources. Several firms have warned that they can cope if the
   crisis lasts only a month or so but will face severe logistical
   problems if the crisis is prolonged.

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