The pandemic has changed our lives and created a new
normal. The economy has changed with
some big winners and some people that suffered greatly. But from this, we
created new opportunities for many people. As we go through Phase 1 of the recovery, we can deal with
this up-side-down environment.
Essential Businesses and Activities
We declared upfront, that grocery stores, pharmacies, and
hospitals are all essential and all should stay open.
But that is where things get fuzzy. The states are making
their own lists of what’s essential for the people in their state. There is
some sort of an agreement that hardware and home improvement stores, pet
supplies (pets need pet food) and distribution centers followed by Churches and Houses of Worship
are essential.
Here is a list of some questionable businesses that are open
in some states. Gun
shops, Marijuana Dispensaries, and Golf courses are open for business.
The Winners
Expanding Business
Many businesses expanded their operations and hired
people to take care of the extra load. Some of these were for disinfect
supplies, large food chains, meat producers, medical equipment including masks,
video games, and on-line ordering all increased.
There were some problems with the meat packaging and a
shortage of products but those are getting resolved. The only problem I had was
availability of ice for my beverage at night. I solved this by buying a couple
of ice trays and making my own.
Stock Market
The stock market fits into the Winner and Loser
categories. On 2/12/2020 the market hit its all-time high (29,551). Then the
shit hit the fan and the market crashed to the bottom (below 19,000). A month
later it started its rally back.
Some people lost their life savings. Others, who had a
heads up, dumped their stock before the crash. Now the big spenders are riding
the waves of the market and making lots of cash. They start by buying at a low
price and waiting for the regular buyers to get into the market which raises
the price and then they sell, make a profit and wait for the next wave.
The Losers
Unemployment
Thank God the government stepped in and supported the
people who lost their job. For many, it saved their homes, their family, and
their sanity.
For others, it was a pay raise. Some found out they got paid more for staying
home and playing video games. Some workers are refusing to go back to work
until the subsidy ends.
One unemployed worker said this in his defense, “I have
two dogs to take care of. Why should I go back?”
The New Normal
Working at Home
This is definitely a New Normal candidate. It solves so
many problems. Travel. Pollution. Social Distancing. Annoying co-workers.
Availability of food and drinks.
Of course, so many jobs can’t be done this way. As
previously reported, baseball is looking into umpires working from home. It
could improve accuracy especially balls and strikes besides there is one less
person gathered at the plate.
Personal Masks
Masks have become regular clothing for us socially
concerned citizens. One whiskey company is carrying it to the next level. They
are furnishing their masks with their logo printed on the front. What makes
this unique is they have provided a hole in the middle of the mask to allow the
customer to easily slip a straw through the mask. Enjoy.
Delivery Services
The delivery of food and other supplies to your door has
become normal. My family regularly orders from our favorite restaurant. They
have started a new service: Delivery by Drone.
Last week we ordered a three-course meal and sat on the
porch and watched the delivery. Four drones came sweeping over the neighborhood.
It looked like a Blue Angels flyover.
Restaurant and
Bars
The reopening of these establishments has started with a
bang. One owner said that her business did 30% more for the first two weeks than
last year. The consumption of alcohol is up although the draft beer drinking
curve is flat because of the shortage of CO2.
Our Heroes
Our
condolences to those who have lost love ones and to the patients and their family
members that continue to fight COVID-19. Salute to our doctors and medical
workers and our first responders.
Conclusion
We
may change jobs and buying habits but in the end, we will get back to normal. The
more things change, the more they stay the same.
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