Travel and tourism businesses have said forward bookings and usual booking numbers have dropped since the outbreak of the virus.
And Senator Lyndon Farnham said that the evolving global situation was having an impact on Island businesses.
‘It is clear that businesses will be affected by this, not just travel and tourism businesses but others as well. I would encourage businesses and especially Islanders not to panic and, while being sensible and following advice, to try and carry on going about their business as usual,’ he said.
‘I think this will be a short to medium-term issue and not a challenge that we cannot get through if we all work together.
‘We do have to be mindful of how it may be harder for smaller businesses to manage this but it is difficult to say how and what assistance the government might provide to these businesses until we know exactly what the challenge is.’
Senator Farnham added that despite a spike in reported cases of coronavirus in some parts of Europe, China – where the outbreak originated – now appeared to be getting the situation under control.
‘As long as other countries take responsibility to help contain it I can see us getting it under control sooner rather than later. Medical experts and scientists are working to fully understand this to put a vaccine in place,’ he said.
‘We are lucky to have such a good health service and a very good channel of communication from the government to keep Islanders updated.’
Although no cases have been reported in Jersey, the number in the UK yesterday increased from 85 to 115.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has launched a four-part battle plan which includes containing the virus, delaying its spread, researching it and mitigating its impact.
Some of the finer details of his plan include recalling retired NHS staff, closing schools and cancelling large gatherings as well as detecting and isolating those affected.
