PRMIA Intelligent Risk - July, 2020

Page 57

embracing for a world post COVID-19 lockdown

by Vivek Seth The year 2020 is likely to be etched in our memories for a long spell of time across the globe. Right at the onset of this year when we were just over with new year celebrations, the world witnessed the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The infectious disease came as a surprise to governments and businesses across the world; by mid- May, it had already affected over 5 million people and resulted in over 300,000 deaths worldwide1, and these numbers are increasing further at the moment. While efforts are underway to create a vaccine that provides immunization against this newly discovered disease, many governments have taken a stand of imposing restrictions on normal business operations, trade, and travel. Corporations across the globe have implemented work from home measures on a neverseen-before scale to help contain the spread of the disease. Even nations that have not imposed such strict lockdown conditions have strongly advised their citizens to adhere with social distancing measures and best hygiene practices. Numerous countries have witnessed high mortalities, delays in key events like holding elections, Olympics & business events such as Expo 2020; some nations have unfortunately also experienced the second wave of pandemic spread. The global outbreak is clearly impacting the world at economic, social, and political levels at an alarming rate. As the world is coming to terms with the extent of the pandemic outbreak, it is equally crucial to understand how the world is likely to operate once the pandemic spread has subsided and global lockdowns are over. Broadly speaking, we can expect to see the following trends, risks and opportunities arising out of COVID-19:

Intelligent Risk - July 2020

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