Business

International firms are temporarily closing outlets in China to help control the coronavirus spread. With over 200 deaths and nearly 10,000 global infections, automobile and technology companies are taking proactive measures to protect workers and limit virus transmission in manufacturing and commercial spaces.

The Allied Pilots Association filed a lawsuit against American Airlines to stop US-China flights, citing crew and passenger safety risks during the coronavirus pandemic. The union seeks a temporary restraining order to halt the approximately 56 monthly flights between Dallas/Fort Worth and China.

The Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association reports surging international demand for medical gloves due to the coronavirus outbreak. With urgent requests from China and other affected regions, manufacturers are increasing production to support healthcare facilities responding to the pandemic.

Starbucks has shut down more than half of its stores in China amid the coronavirus epidemic, adjusting operating hours and supporting government prevention measures. The coffee giant's CEO Kevin Johnson delayed 2020 profit forecasts as the outbreak impacts its largest market outside the United States.

Following Kobe Bryant's sudden death, fans worldwide rushed to purchase Lakers jerseys, Nike shoes, and memorabilia. Nike confirmed complete sellout of Bryant merchandise, with special edition items becoming instant collector's pieces. Online and physical stores reported unprecedented demand for commemorative gear.

As the novel coronavirus continues to spread, major Chinese companies like Tencent, ByteDance, Country Garden, and UBS are advising employees to work from home. The Chinese government extended the Lunar New Year holiday to help contain the virus, with the death toll reaching 82 by January 28.

A 61-year-old postal worker in Kanagawa Prefecture was arrested for deliberately withholding 24,000 letters at his home, claiming delivery was too troublesome. He was immediately fired and faces potential imprisonment or a fine after an internal investigation exposed his misconduct.

Philippine Airlines provides free flight modifications for passengers traveling to and from China during the nCoV outbreak, allowing ticket holders to request refunds, rebooking, or rerouting without additional charges from January 24 to February 9.

Taiwanese electronics giants Acer and Asustek secured 5th and 6th places respectively in global PC vendor rankings. Despite slight market share reductions, both companies shipped over 14 million units in 2019, demonstrating their continued strength in the competitive computer manufacturing landscape.

The coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China's "motor city," has forced transportation shutdowns and impacted major automobile manufacturers. Renault, Honda, and PSA Group face significant challenges as the virus spreads, compounding existing challenges in the automotive sector's 2019 sales decline.