Corona Chronicles #1
"Say No to Panic, Say Yes to Precautions"
This post was initially written as a solitary email to dear friends when I was thinking to share some vetted facts to dispel myths that may be causing panic, along with business trends so we would think through how to “corona-proof” our livelihoods. Since then, it’s become clear that this is a pandemic of a different magnitude, the likes of which has not been seen in modern times. By the time I posted this, the San Francisco Bay Area was under mandate to “shelter in place,” with other counties following suit.
🚫Just say No!
DO stock up on enough non-perishable food, medicine and basic items for your household to weather a 14 (21) day quarantine. Keep physical and mental health up to boost your immune system by eating well, exercising and keeping in touch with family & friends even if you can't meet in person. Some fun ideas to weather social isolation include hanging out - virtually! I’m currently thinking about setting up a virtual Cooking or Paint Nite. More cute ideas here. 👍
DON'T avoid non-essential travel, the urge to touch your face, and buying up supplies to price gouge. Above all else, don't panic! 👎
🇹🇼Success Stories (Like Masks for Taiwan)
Taiwan has done a remarkable job of containing the virus, especially given their proximity to the outbreak. Prisoners are putting in long hours to sew masks, keeping their families “close to their hearts” as they do so.
This list created by a Stanford pediatrician details all the actions taken includes fining "claw machine operators" from using masks and sanitizers as prizes!!!
India's also done a standup job of drilling the basics into the public.
The takeaway? While sadly, most of these things can only be implemented at the government level, they do make me question the CDC's guidance of not wearing masks.
📉📈Business Trends
We've seen the travel industry tank across the board, but was surprised when 3M's did given the appetite for masks. Stores stocking essentials such as groceries, medical and cleaning supplies seem to be going strong, but they've also cut their hours since they are having a hard time restocking fast enough.
What's next? While the hardest hit initially may be brick and mortar stores providing services, as states implement quarantines it may impact online retailers’ ability to operate as well. Platforms like Amazon could use this as an opportunity to push adoption of specific subscription models as delivery becomes key (think "Fresh"). As social isolation wears on, online entertainment giants may be a in a good position; especially if they are able to monetize existing content while they’re not able to film.