South China's Guangdong Province on Tuesday further delayed the resumption of work until February 9 amid the coronavirus outbreak, which could have a global effect.

Crucial sectors including supermarkets, food suppliers, pharmaceutical factories and medical equipment manufacturers were exceptions to the delay. 

Guangdong Province has been dubbed the world factory for making electronics, garments, home appliances, and many other goods. The decision could have a ripple effect on the global value chain. But the government said it will help companies find workers to restore production after the holiday.

China announced Monday that the Lunar New Year holiday will be extended to February 2 as a measure to contain the novel coronavirus outbreak. 

Elementary and secondary schools and kindergartens should not open before February 17. Higher education institutions, vocational schools, and technician schools should not open before February 24. 

According to the officials, 22 out of the 29 face mask manufacturers in Guangdong have resumed production. All the five medical protection suit-making companies and three anti-virus oral medicine makers in the province have returned to work.  In Guangzhou, daily production of masks reached half a million, and the capacity will continue to increase in days.

The province has been taking the strictest measures to contain the influx of virus carriers. So far, all the temporary checkpoints at important traffic points have checked over 1.05 million people, and over 100 people were found with abnormal situations.

There are some fears among the citizens over the possible shortage of foods and daily necessities, as a result of which people rushed to supermarkets to stockpile supplies. The officials said they have put part of the national grain reserves into the market to contain the commodity prices, and they reassured that there will be sufficient supply of meals, vegetables, fruits, and other essential supplies. Over 50 enterprises have been investigated for price hiking.