How Businesses and Educational Institutions Can Cope with the Third Wave of Covid-19
Europe has entered into a third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. Cases are rising and researchers even predict[1] that in countries like Germany, the cases around Easter will be higher than the cases around last Christmas. What does this mean for businesses and educational institutes that were beginning to re-open their doors?
What are the Effects on Businesses on a Global Level?
Already we’ve seen how supply chains are disrupted by the pandemic across the world. Supply chain disruptions aren’t new. They’ve happened before because of various natural and man-made disasters. However, Covid-19 had an effect on supply chains that’s been bigger than what we’ve ever seen before[2].
This is for a couple different reasons. For one, Covid-19 is a global pandemic. Unlike previous disasters, they were limited to one country or region. Also, Covid-19 has lasted for over a year. This is a stark contrast from natural disasters that are cleaned up in weeks or months. Lastly, people aren’t buying as much. This is leaving suppliers with extra product that’s not being sold.
Despite all of this, it’s small businesses that have been hurt the worst by this Pandemic. Large chains are still keeping their heads above water and e-commerce is booming. However, from limited capacity, closures, and other mandates, small businesses are shutting down left and right.
Changes in Education
Over the past year, we’ve seen schools shut down and online learning become the norm across the globe. According to a research study[3] about educational gains, students scores were impacted by the pandemic. By grade, reading and math scores had steady gains. However, the math scores went down in winter of 2020, compared to the winter of 2019.
How to Cope in this Challenging Situation
With the world in such a state of flux and education and business being limited to an online or hybrid world, we have to create new ways to cope with the changes and uncertainty.
Start by taking care of your circles and communities. Be empathetic to the needs of your staff and communicative with your customers if you own a business. The good thing about this collective problem is there’s collective understanding.
Also, donate and try to buy from small businesses. It’s easier to buy online, but if you are able to purchase your supplies from a local business, it could greatly help out.
Stay attentive to your children’s needs as well. This is a strange way to spend a childhood. Make sure they’re still getting proper socialization in a healthy way. School is often the main place for socialization in children. With this taken away, make sure to continue to encourage them to stay active and social.
Look Out for Each Other
Overall, pay attention to the people around you and really listen to the needs of others and yourself.
