Coronavirus impacting the tech Industry - KFYR-TV

The outbreak of Coronavirus first started in Wuhan, China and has now effected 15 people In the U.S. according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Now, it's making it's affecting the technology industry.

China is a leading tech supplier to the U.S. and as the virus grows, our tech supply is taking a hit.

Local tech companies say most of their products come from China and the lack of labor and restrictions on travel are impacting shipments.

It's on to the tip of everyone's tongue.

"Viruses travel around the world because they fly with the people who have them," said Noe Meteo, infectious disease consultant at Sanford Health in Bismarck.

Although there haven't been any confirmed cases in North Dakota, three residents are being monitored. And people are well aware of what it is.

"It seems to transfer very easily from person to person, and to me, it sounds scary," said Menoken resident Dee Persson.

Experts at Sanford Health say the Coronavirus is a group of viruses that typically cause cold-like symptoms.

However, the virus can become deadly when it's never circulated in humans and there's no immune response built up.

Now, the bug is impeding the technology industry.

"Just today we were trying to order screens and most of our screens are out of stock. So, we're starting to feel the pinch on being able to have screens supplied to us," said manager at Epic Technologies, Blaine Thomas.

Thomas says Wuhan is a major hub for the shipping of tech products to the U.S.

"I think most of the factories are just shut down. So, they don't have workers there to actually stock the shelves and package," said Thomas.

Thomas says he's seen posts from other tech companies being impacted by the Coronavirus in China.

He says he wouldn't be surprised to see a rise in demand for tech supplies, if Chinese suppliers continue to close down.