You might be wondering what is happening to all the parcels that are supposed to be shipped out from China.

Or, like some shoppers on Hardware Zone, you might have experienced a delay in receiving your parcels.

Workers not in warehouses

In response to queries by Mothership on the situation, an Alibaba spokesperson revealed that due to work-from-home arrangements and the "evolving nature" of the outbreak, there is a probability that orders have been affected.

Lunar New Year saw an extended "holiday" as part of China's measures to contain to coronavirus (Covid-19), where Taobao workers only returned to work on Feb. 10 instead of Jan. 31.

Customers who have their orders affected are advised to contact the sellers directly through the Taobao platform, the spokesperson added.

Official logistics company back at work in Malaysia, Singapore

However, Cai Niao, the official logistics arm of Taobao, announced on Feb. 11 that their workers have returned to the warehouse.

This only applies to the Singapore and Malaysia warehouses.

Orders and shipment will be processed as usual, and the first shipment to Singapore will go out on Feb. 16.

Similarly, Singapore parcels under Cai Niao will arrive within five working days for air and direct shipment, or fifteen working days for deliveries by sea, according to the chart below.

However, this may take longer, depending on how long the items need to reach the warehouse.

You can read Alibaba's full statement here:

"The outbreak is of great concern to us. We are paying close attention to the situation and are working closely with relevant authorities proactively. Due to the extended holidays during the Lunar New Year period, work-from-home arrangements and the evolving nature of the outbreak, there is a probability that orders have been affected. Customers are advised to contact their sellers directly via the Taobao platform for updates on their orders.

For more information on Alibaba's efforts to help fight the spread of the virus, please visit:

https://www.alizila.com/cainiao-green-channel-speeds-medical-supply-delivery-coronavirus/

https://www.alizila.com/alibaba-global-direct-sourcing-platform-coronavirus-china/

https://www.alizila.com/alibaba-unveils-measures-to-support-businesses-during-coronavirus-outbreak/"

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Top image via Piximus, Cai Niao