COVID19 - Impact on the Food and Events Industry

The spread of coronavirus which originated from Wuhan China has infected over 1,262,631 people globally according to live reports presented in the worldometer and BBC News April 5th 2020. 68,499 people have lost their lives and countries all over the world have had to enforce stay at home policies to control the spread of the virus.

The pandemic has greatly affected the health, social and economic status of countries all over the world. Businesses around the world, especially in the food and events industry, are counting great losses due to the low demand for their services following the policies enacted to control social gatherings and implemented curfews.

The Economic Intelligence Unit in China estimates that 9 million workers will lose their jobs in China cities this year. The Analysts say that 60% of the people will be those working in the service industry like street food joints, restaurants etc. China’s Municipal government has restricted and banned group meals in restaurants to control the spread of the virus.

Few restaurants in operation have been forced to adhere to rules that require them to host few customers at a go. Customers are expected to sit less than three people together. Sales have tremendously decreased from what they were in the past years. Restaurants, catering services and street food vendors are understaffed due to workers opting to stay at home to avoid contracting the virus.

With the necessary demand for people to observe social distancing and stay at home, the events industry is reported to have been hit hardest by the virus. According to Hadden and Casado report on the Business Insider, many events across the world have been postponed or concealed due to the spread of the virus. Countries are implementing curfews and lockdowns to control movement and social gatherings.

The Tokyo Summer Olympics that were to be held this year has been pushed to 2021. The 74th Annual Tony Awards and the Cannes Film Festival of June and May respectively have also been postponed. The Coachella was delayed and set to take place during the weekends of 9th and 16th October. The virus outbreak has caused many noteworthy food festivals, conferences and sporting events to be postponed or concealed.

Overall, coronavirus has claimed the lives of many people leaving large numbers of those infected fighting for their lives. Most countries across the world have been forced to enact precautionary measures that are strategically aimed at controlling the spread of the virus. Demanding that people stay at home and reduce group gathering has greatly affected businesses throughout all sectors. The food and events industry seem to have been affected most by the strict rules. Most street food businesses like BarbecueStar and hotels are closing due to the shortage of demand and sales. It leaves us to think will the festivals and events industry operate this year.