The recent outbreak of novel coronavirus (also known as
COVID-19) has had devastating effects since the first cases were
reported in the city of Wuhan in China on 23 January 2020.
As of 19 February there have been 75,285 reported cases of the
virus, spanning 26 countries and resulting in 2,009 deaths.1 On 30
January, the Word Health Organization (the "WHO")
declared the outbreak was a Public Health Emergency of
International Concern ("PHEIC").2
The severity of the outbreak combined with the impact of
responsive measures implemented by a number governments has also
caused significant disruption to supply chains and other commercial
relationships.3
Parties who are or may be unable to perform their obligations as
a result of the epidemic may find a means of suspending or exiting
a contract, or a shield from liability via force majeure
clauses in their contracts, or through the doctrine of
Frustration.
