Bord Bia staff are being ordered to leave China in response to the threat posed by the coronavirus.

The Irish Farmers Journal believes it is a precautionary measure and to facilitate ongoing market developments after obtaining advice that it was recommended.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal in Cairo, Egypt, Bord Bia chief executive Tara McCarthy said: “Yes, we have decided to recall all staff based in China.

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“The situation is employees will work from home for two weeks before they will link up with other Bord Bia staff in other countries. We will continue to monitor developments as the situation develops,” she said.

Lockdown

Many major cities in China are on lockdown, as the world’s most populous country tries to contain the deadly virus.

More than 560 people have died in China after contracting the virus.

Coronavirus has affected the entire Chinese economy, with the Shanghai index falling 8% on the first day of trading this week after the extended holiday.

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