Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease which is genetically related to the virus responsible for the 2003 SARS outbreak. COVID-19 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome. Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan and has since spread globally. According to economic analysis, the pandemic has caused the largest global recession in history, with more than a third of the global population placed on lockdown for months. The lockdown has led to shortages in supply, panic buying, an increase in usage of household items, unplanned purchases such as face masks, and hand sanitizers. However, that was just the tip of the iceberg from the pandemic. Several other issues have gradually developed as the pandemic is staying longer than expected with many negative impacts.
- Closing of marketplaces all over the world
- Reduced number of people in retails shops
- Business closures because of lost in markets caps
- Restaurant and food vendors completely closed down (this type of business is a big part of the economy in low-income countries)
- The tourism business is also a big loser (several countries and family depend on this for survival)
- Transportation and aviation companies are also one of the biggest losers.
- Event venues (party, religious, and others) are still closed.
All the above issues and more are issues affecting the economy all over the world, particularly, low-income countries. These countries lack social support or safety nets that most developed countries have such as furlough, reduction in stamp duties, mortgage leave, and other supports from the government.
These low-income countries are more affected by this pandemic. Some are struggling with more economic issues, alongside the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, Kenya one of the countries in East Africa is struggling with both the coronavirus pandemic and at the same time with locust plague. Likewise, DRC is battling with both COVID-19 and a new trace of Ebola. These countries need the help of people like me and you to support them with any little help that we can offer. We all need to join hands together to protect the world and help others. We believe that COVID-19 will soon be a thing of the past as soon as possible.
Thank you for reading.