The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is having a damaging impact
on commercial activities around the world (for both supply and
demand). Restrictions on travel and gatherings have either been
imposed (e.g. in China, USA and Italy) or are at least being
considered as next steps (by pretty much all governments). Some
businesses have already taken steps to limit business travel and
participation in meetings and social events.
The impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on business is even
more complicated than it would otherwise have been, given: (i) the
background of uncertainty around what a Brexit deal might look like
and whether there will be one at all, (ii) an oil production
dispute between OPEC and Russia causing an unprecedented dive in
oil prices and stock market losses and (iii) uncertainty as to the
level and availability of lender and government support/forbearance
in relation to affected businesses. Reduction in demand in some
areas (travel, hospitality) is to a
