A special note for economists and the media. During the Covid-19
lockdown, the economy does not 'stop'. Some sectors close down and.
other sectors of the economy continue!
Economists and the Media, love to use the words "re-start the economy".
It's false to say this.
The Tourism / Travel and Hospitality sector is the worst hit,
during and after the lockdown. Yes, some countries, rely only on tourism.
Other countries like France and Italy, have big production (food) and
manufacturing (engineering) sectors.
Note: After a 1 to 3 month 'lockdown' period, there is a
6 month to 1 year or 2 year period of 'safety restrictions' in place.
People and businesses have to learn to survive and adapt.
Most businesses had to learn to be flexible.
What stays open during a lockdown? Who keeps working?
The Economy is open. (It's only 'slowed' down)
Many industries, factories, shops, etc. stay open and millions of
people go to work everyday. There are many essential industries, for example:
- All basic municipal services continue.
(eg. Water, gas, sewerage, and waste removal services)
- All power stations / electricity companies open
- The Oil and Gas industry fully operational.
- The Mining industry open. (Copper/aluminum etc.)
- The glass and plastic industry (Coke/ Perrier bottles etc.)
- All petrol stations are open
- Ports and borders stay open for trade (goods)
- Airports run at 10-15%
- Trains and public buses run at 30%
- Private Taxi and Ambulance services work
- Hospitals, clinics and laboratories open.
- Police, fire departments and security companies.
- All postal agencies open
- Banks are open
- All pharmacies are open
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing industry
- The Alcohol/ wine industry
- Newspaper and tobacco agencies open.
- Media companies, Television and Radio stations.
- Telecom / Telephone companies open.
- The Agriculture / Farming sector.- All Agri equipment service/ repairs open
- All supermarkets/ food shops open.
- The Transport/ Logistics sector open
- The Tech/IT industry open
- The Timber and paper industry
- Garages/tyre repair shops 80% open
- Building/ Construction industry 30%
- All veterinary staff work
- All Prison staff work
- The Lottery keeps going
(Don't forget all the thousands of cleaning staff that work everyday)
Every country is different and Economists know exactly how many
people are employed in each sector.
NB: In a health 'pandemic' lockdown:
1st Line Workers = All hospital, health care / medical staff.
2nd Line Workers = Farmers, agricultural workers, food/ beverage
manufacturers, Police and fire departments. transport, truck drivers, food retailers, pharmacies.
School and University students got their lessons via telephone, email
or Skype. (So, most teachers and professors still worked)
