Covid-19 Wreaks Havoc on Businesses, Schools, Hospitals, and next-up, the Holidays
In the first couple months of this year, Covid-19 was wreaking havoc in the Far East. In the Western world, it was underestimated how tough this Pandemic would become. By March many businesses, schools, and daycare’s were closing. The only thing that really began heating-up were, unfortunately, the hospitals. With some signs of a slowing spread of the Coronavirus in the US, parts of the country started opening-up early to provide some relief to those that were under “lockdown” or “quarantine”. This led to then a flare-up in mid-Summer in some Western and Southern states. Most of this has been widespread covered in the news. With so many lives lost and so many tragic stories with the Covid-19 pandemic, I’m hoping we can bring some ‘happy’ news by the end of this short article.
Back to School
It’s now September, and for all families with school-age children (pre-K to college), there are many question marks still surrounding what will happen with schools during the next few months. During the month of August, and even now, school plans are changing almost by the day. In early September, just two days after a local school district started the year, they shut down physical attendance due to a Coronavirus case. View points on what is right range all over the place from scientists, to politicians, to teachers, to parents, to students, and the list goes on. The fact remains that this virus is a beast. And the beast knows no boundaries. Wow, what could have been, if the right actions were taken from the playbook to snuff-out this virus from the get-go. But, okay, I digress.
The Mask
Change has come and it’s unlikely to go away anytime soon. In April, the mask felt odd for most of us. We have not been used to it. When SARS hit not so long ago, it was primarily an issue that was contained to the Far East. We simply did not have to engage in mask-wearing. Now it’s September and the mask, well, it doesn’t seem so odd anymore. When I’m outdoors and away from home and I don’t have it, I feel kind of “exposed”. It is the new norm, at least for now.
What will Q4 2020 Bring?
Let’s look forward to what is, for many, the happiest time of year. Our calendar’s fourth quarter is full of great events for so many people, here in North America, and around the world. In October, we all get the chance to experience Halloween. Funny, masks, are most common on Halloween. So what will happen on Halloween?
Will national, state, and local politicians put the kibosh on the traditional event. It would be a shame if it was canceled; but also understood as safety should be the highest priority. Our youth really enjoy it. In fact, not just our youth, but the adults often get into the spirit as well. What will likely happen is that Halloween parties and gatherings will go, but alternative forms to the traditional ‘trick or treat’ event will likely form. Let’s see. The silver lining: unlike most other events during the year, a “mask” is typical on Halloween 😊. Some parents are already planning to do things differently (eg, Halloween hunt in the yard).
A Thanksgiving Holiday Like No Other
In November, we get the biggest travel day of the year, driven (no pun intended) by the huge family celebration of Thanksgiving. How might that look this year. Fewer travelers? Socially distanced eating? What about the kids returning from college where the Coronavirus has run wild (again, no pun intended) on some campuses? Covid testing before gathering?
Families, even today, are keeping distanced from the beloved grandparents due to the elevated risk Covid-19 presents to them. That typically will have a trickle-down effect on the siblings and their families. Airline travel has been devastated by the virus and that will be another factor limiting the travel. Throw in the normal flu-season, and we have many reasons that Thanksgiving 2020 will be significantly “different”.
The other big event this time of year is Black Friday (and let’s not forget Cyber Monday). These events, too, will be heavily influenced by Covid-19. Online shopping continues to make headway on brick-and-mortar. Last year Black Friday cyber growth was +19% while brick-and-mortar declined over 6%. Covid-19 has further accelerated the dynamic as the last quarter numbers show e-comm up 44% versus 2019 and brick-and-mortar down 5%. I wouldn’t be surprised to see e-comm numbers up over 60% or more versus year ago as people shy away from common-space shopping due to high-flu season.
What about Santa?
Enough already. Enough of the challenges we face and the outlook on the coming Q4. Oh, yeah, I haven’t even touched on Christmas, other religious holidays, and New Year’s Eve. Now, let’s focus on some positive things. Every year, Santa Claus, when visiting Malls and department stores sees over 300,000 children in the US alone, every year. In speaking with Santas, there is concern about the coming season. Malls want to stay open, the stores need the Holidays to make the business productive for the year. Malls are trying to make a safe visit for children with Santa. But, the virus is maddening for the Santa demographic, large crowds, and confined spaces. Santa is concerned about his safety for the coming season.
For this year, it’s a great opportunity to keep Santa safe in 2020. In a season likely to be dominated by online purchases. Virtual visits with Santa will be best for Santa and, actually, better for the children. What? That seems too good to be true. Ah, can we take it one level higher? It will be better for the parents too.
You see, a platform has been created that feeds this need. Homagination.com is a platform that connects parents and their children to Santa for a live video chat. This can be as simple as a 1-on-1 video session, or you can do in groups from different locations. Beyond that, Santa can send a video message to your child (as a “live-chat” may not be for everyone). And for those that may want to keep things a bit more subtle, kids can engage over a phone conversation as well. These solutions are Covid-safe for you, your kids, the elves, and Santa.
The Covid-safe benefits are one thing. But, take this into consideration, the cost is less, your children will have more time with Santa (than the typical one-minute they get at the Mall), the experience can be much more personalized, eliminates the commute, weather issues, parking issues, headaches from Mom and Dad, and a “keepsake” video can be stored to last a lifetime. Now, that’s some good news in 2020.
