Manufacturers in logistical nightmare as virus-hit China limps back to work

Workers wearing face masks load cargo to a truck next to containers at a railway cargo terminal, as the country is hit by an outbreak of the novel coronavirus, in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China February 17, 2020. Picture taken February 17, 2020. cnsphoto via REUTERS

SHANGHAI/BANGKOK: Blocked highways. Stranded workers. Dwindling supplies. Shipping and air freight companies also hamstrung.

The Chinese manufacturing engine that powers much of the world economy is struggling to restart after an extended Lunar New Year break, hindered by travel and quarantine restrictions imposed to curb the Covid-19 coronavirus epidemic and still in place in many parts of the country.