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News about coronavirus in Florida and around the world is constantly emerging. It's hard to stay on top of it all but Health News Florida can help. Our responsibility is to keep you informed, and to help discern what’s important for your family as you make what could be life-saving decisions.

With Jabil Showing Effects Already, Coronavirus Expected To Impact More Of Florida's Economy

Officials at St. Petersburg-based Jabil are warning that some of its factories in China are running at around 65 to 70 percent of normal capacity due to the coronavirus.
Jabil
/
The Florida Channel
Leon County Judge John Cooper on June 30, 2022, in a screen grab from The Florida Channel.

The coronavirus outbreak could impact the state's economy - and at least one Tampa Bay area company is already seeing some effects.

Jerry Parrish, Chief Economist for the Florida Chamber Foundation, said there’s a possible delay for goods coming from China that could affect the state's manufacturers.

“We will see supply chain disruptions of those imports until the situation stabilizes. That will definitely affect Florida’s exports.”

One local business experiencing the effect of coronavirus is Jabil.

The St. Petersburg-based company makes parts for smart phones, appliances and other electronics.

It released a statement Tuesday saying its factories in the parts of China that have been adversely impacted by the virus are running at around 65 to 70 percent of normal capacity.

“Our first priority is the overall safety of our people. To this end, we’ve instituted broad testing and quarantine protocols to support those who are on-site at our factories. In addition, we remain in close contact with our employees who’ve been unable to return to work due to on-going travel restrictions,” said CEO Mark Mondello.

Jabil's announcement came on the same day the Dow dropped 879 points. It fell by more than 1,000 points on Monday.

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Robbie Gaffney is a recent graduate from Florida State University with degrees in Digital Media Production and Creative Writing. Before working at WFSU, they recorded FSU’s basketball and baseball games for Seminole Productions as well as interned for the PBS Station in Largo, Florida. Robbie loves playing video games such as Shadow of the Colossus, Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask, and Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles. Their other hobbies include sleeping and watching anime.
Mark Schreiner has been the producer and reporter for "University Beat" on WUSF 89.7 FM since 2001 and on WUSF TV from 2007-2017.