Harvey Norman executive chairman Gerry Harvey says he's not particularly worried about the coronavirus outbreak which is slamming financial markets, saying the virus has as much chance of fizzling out as it does becoming the next "bubonic plague".

"I've been on the phone to my stores across the country for the last two weeks, and all of them are upbeat," Mr Harvey said. "It's all trending along the same as in July to December, it's not like anything's changed."

"It might fizzle out or it might become the next bubonic plague": Harvey Norman executive chairman Gerry Harvey. Credit:Janie Barrett

"Where [the coronavirus] ends up, who knows? It might fizzle out or it might become the next bubonic plague."

The retailing magnate said he and his stores weren't putting any contingency plans into place and didn't at this point expect any huge delays from China in terms of sourcing stock, though the company had put a halt on team members travelling to the country.