The coronavirus pandemic required some health and safety measures to prevent it from spreading.
However, while governments and the media have been concentrating on the health implications of the illness, the resulting restrictions and panic started to develop serious economic consequences.
Luckily, medical research has gathered enough information, and the British Government has formulated sensible measures to keep the economy and businesses rolling while fighting the disease. In working out the action plan the British Government does keep in mind to “minimise the potential impact on society and the UK and global economy, including key public services.” (Ref 3)
What has an impact on economy, businesses and jobs?
This can be evaluated based on the simple rule of “Activities that allocate by need and fail to force and pay for production are the basis for failed economies…” (Ref 4)
This current situation is somewhat special. There is need to take certain measures to keep the coronavirus in check. Unfortunately, measures currently taken do have a side effect of impeding or stopping business activities, trade, transport, provision of services and production in general.
The main reason for this is two fold:
- Medical data has been scarce and we couldn’t find a healthy balance between preventing the spread of the disease and keeping up production the same time.
- The population has attention on the health related news. Consequences for the economy, businesses and individual jobs have not reached the level where these become the main source of concern.
We don’t want to get to this stage, so let’s see what can be done to prevent a global economic crisis, bankruptcies and unemployment.
Medical Data
Over the course of the pandemic medical research and statistical analysis has been able gather enough information about the coronavirus to be able to identify those who are more likely to get ill, and those who are not, including the underlying reasons. This information does open the door to a more streamlined solution.
Let’s see them in bullet points:
- How does it spread: Like other similar diseases, through small droplets released through coughing or sneezing (Ref 8)
- How can you avoid catching or spreading it: wash your hands thoroughly, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, bin the tissue, don’t touch your mouth/eyes, limit contact with people who are unwell (Ref 8)
Who is at risk:
- For the vast majority of people – 80% or probably much more – the virus will pass unnoticed or with mild symptoms similar to those of a common cold. With a healthy immune system the illness stays asymptomatic (stays unnoticed) or manifests mild symptoms, which will disappear after a few days of rest. (Ref 5, 6, 7)
- People with already weakened immune systems are at greater risk. These conditions are (but not limited to): asthma, diabetes, heart disease, insufficient nutrition, cancer, HIV, drug addiction. This category can manifest more serious symptoms when infected. (Ref 5, 6, 7)
Known cure:
- The first official statement about an effective cure said that large doses of intravenous Vitamin C (4.000-16.000mg for an adult) has an effect on the ability of the body to reduce the inflammation of the lung. (Ref 1, 2)
Putting it together for your business or workplace
The pandemic and the related restrictions started to take their toll on the global economy. Businesses have declared bankruptcy, others are on the brink and many people lost their jobs already.
The action plan of the UK does take it into consideration to “minimise the potential impact on society and the UK and global economy, including key public services.” (Ref 3) It is setting a very good example in preventing another economic crisis, while effectively fighting the disease.
That is correct, on an individual level we all want to keep our jobs, businesses and have a working economy when this is over!
How to manage your business or workplace to keep production going?
Based on this rule: “Activities that allocate by need and fail to force and pay for production are the basis for failed economies…”(Ref 4) we want to keep working and keep our businesses going.
How do we do that?
In formulating the applicable measures, the British Government does take vulnerability into consideration: “We would consider such measures in order to protect vulnerable individuals with underlying illnesses and thus at greater risk of becoming seriously affected by the disease. The effectiveness of these actions will need to be balanced against their impact on society.” (Ref 3)
In view of the available medical data, and knowing that healthy working age individuals with strong immune systems are not likely to be seriously affected, there are three main responsibilities an employee, as well as a business has:
- To keep healthy people (the majority) strong, healthy and focused. You can keep their immune system strong by:
- Being well fed, or providing regular good and healthy meals
- Having enough sleep, and making sure others around you are well rested too
- Having plenty of vitamin C available along with supplementing vitamins, such as D, E, calcium and magnesium
- Taking the preventative measures to avoid catching or spreading the disease. In case of a possible infection follow the official NHS (National Health Services) advise: When one starts to run fever or continuous coughing (possible coronavirus symptoms) it is advised to stay home for a week. If the condition does not get better after a week seek medical advice. (Ref 8)
- Encouraging people with weakened immune systems to work from home if possible, and to avoid contact with unknown and unwell people. (Ref 8)
- Make sure you do a good job at work, and keep your business busy and rolling! It might require some extra work because the whole world is distracted and business has more barriers than before. But be strong! Be creative! And make it work!
Ref 1: https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=228745
Ref 4: HCO PL 19 March 1971RA II Rev 27 Oct 1982 Bean Theory, Finance as a Commodity
Ref 5: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/science-and-disease/covid-19-do-body-affect-coronavirus/
Ref 6: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-51703892
Ref 7: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/27/world/asia/coronavirus-treament-recovery.html
Ref 8: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
