Post COVID-19 world: The new normal

By Bukosi Wilbur. N

COVID-19 | NEW NORMAL 

Things are far from normal; new or otherwise; with lockdown, businesses closed, employees working remotely, and looming layoffs, all is not well.

What started as a local crisis to China, and viewed as a supplier and seller failure, has now escalated to a global geopolitical problem, that everyone and everywhere is affected.

Making predictions now seems immature since the pandemic is still ravaging the globe and momentum has not taken shape and direction. We are still driven in shock and uncertainty. Such situations make us either do nothing or go crazy and run around and try to do everything at once.

This usually results in mistakes and costly accidents. We are being reactive.    It is natural to humans at this stage not to think as a team and un-focused or work in an uncoordinated manner--Nothing proactive….

Everyone for himself and God for us all. This has to stop since systems without focus or that operate in a disintegrated manner are not likely to be useful in mitigating a crisis.

However, all is not lost. On the positive side, this phase will end and a "NEW NORMAL" will emerge. This will be the POST COVID-19 world era under construction…we're ready and equipped for it.

This is a question everybody should be asking. Notwithstanding existing false prophesies of any sort, the FACT is that it will be a "DIFFERENT NORMAL" from the one today in several ways.

The social, economic, political, spiritual, and academic spectra will definitely have to adapt to change.

Unfortunately, congregations that bring several people together will no longer be appealing in the early days. Theatres, concerts, shows, and other "iz" may wait a little bit longer.

Being in large crowds will be a thing consumers will consider scary. I foresee the transport sector being closely regulated and monitored to avoid congestions.

The aviation industry may limit the number of passengers aboard a plane, for instance not more than 75% of total board capacity, and go further hold the airline liable for any passenger found to be carrying COVID-19 virus. This could extend to the entire transport industry.

On the lighter side grocery deliveries will thrive as they have sprouted of recent, and this may stick forever.

Boda bodas will be more in cargo than passenger movement, as trust and professionalism permeate the industry.

Furthermore, since "going out" for meals will be unpopular, home cooking skills may be resuscitated and much sought. This will then be reciprocated with a supply chain dominated by those service providers with requisite skillsets.

Currently taking care of the population is the priority…Are our people healthy…Do they have what to eat…Food...This, therefore, calls for leadership and business to repurpose, rethink, and pivot as to address the prevailing issues and needs. 

For instance, industries originally meant for beverage spirits are now in production of sanitizers, those in textiles and garments have now included masks and other personal protective equipment and clothing to their production lines

However, some players may never recover, though the global markets will eventually recuperate become even stronger and resilient.

Though difficult to make predictions, positive or negative, about what will come next, certain economic stimulus measures should be thought through and implemented.

The US alone has voted an unprecedented US$2 trillion in stimulus disbursements to help the economy out of the infection wave.

Though the country has the largest economy on earth its actions are being mirrored at various levels worldwide. Such interventions are of necessity but should be done collectively with purpose and focus.

It ought to be appreciated that even in the most broken situations, there are people who actually come up with great businesses, and I am certain this will happen when the dust clears.

All in all, innovation, creativity, and adapting to change is paramount.

Regularly wash hands with Soap, social distance, avoid crowded areas
 
The writer is Socio-Economic Analyst                                           
wibond_l@yahoo.com