Can rising Covid -19 cases again affect the consumer demand?

 

Consumer Spending - A major source of economic activity, collapsed when the first wave of the pandemic swept across countries in early 2020. All of a sudden, consumers were forced to change behavior, companies to transform business models, and governments to adjust regulations. 

With the emergence of second wave, several retailers and consumer good companies are worried at this point. Restricted gathering, night curfews, impact of consumers sentiment are likely to affect sale recovery. 

Situation is becoming very critical for consumers as well as the suppliers as everything seems to repeat itself as the last year. The retailers said they don't follow the measures as they used to in 2020 but admitted that they are watchful of the impact on consumption. Restricted timings is a major fear for everyone. Summer sales have kicked off in a brilliant way but if timings start to restrict, it may affect the market with a major fall back.

If cases start to increase in this way, consumers may become more anxious towards their expenditure and needs.

The economy is barely recovering and it may be a big blow up for everyone again. 

The second wave is on its way and it's our duty to prevent it's growth in anyway. The growth will hamper every single part of the society like it did before. The only measure government is bound to take is to impose lockdown and night curfews again, the impact of which we have already witnessed last year.  

On 20/3/21, India reported 43,846 fresh covid-19 cases, the highest single-day count so far in 2021.

Maharashtra, MP, Punjab and many other states have started imposing restrictions. 

Maharashtra has announced strict measures in several cities with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) asking for random testing at malls, railway stations, bus depots, markets, tourist places, and government offices. Meanwhile, Punjab has closed most educational institutions in the 11 worst-hit districts and has capped the number of people at funerals, cremations and weddings. Gujarat has directed malls and cinema halls in Ahmedabad to remain close on Saturdays and Sundays and enforced temporary night curfews.

 The Shopping Centres Association of India (SCAI) asked the BMC to reconsider its implementation of random testing rules for malls in Mumbai as it is likely to spread fear among the public, and put into motion a spiralling effect on modern retail that could derail the recovery of the segment. The move could eventually lead to a complete shutdown for the industry and cause job losses, SCAI said.

 

India's 78% of Covid-19 cases emerging from 5 states amid fears of second wave

Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu continue to report a surge in Covid-19 daily cases and account for 78.41 per cent of the new infections, the Union health ministry said.

Precautions to be taken -

•Get a COVID-19 vaccine.

•Wear a mask to protect yourself and others and stop the spread of COVID-19.

•Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arm lengths) from others who don’t live with you.

•Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces. The more people you are in contact with, the more likely you are to be exposed to COVID-19.

As a responsible citizens we should do our part and take all the necessary precautions to minimise the spread of Covid - 19.

Stay Smart ! Stay Satark!

                                 By - Rinkle Poptani