Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic - Essay Example

Introduction

Coronavirus disease 2019, commonly referred to as COVID-19, was first reported in Wuhan China in January 2020 before spreading to other parts of the world. COVID-19 has been declared a world pandemic. According to the World Health Organization, the number of infections is about 11.8 million globally (World Health Organization 2020). The COVID-19 transmissions are very rapid, therefore increasing the risk of spread. Most countries across the world have put measures to curb the virus; Malaysia put in place a Moving Control Order (MCO). The MCO has helped reduce the risk of spread.

Topic of Discussion

The COVID-19 outbreak has immensely affected the global economy, leading to an increase in innovations and creative ways to survive. (McKibben, W. J., & Fernando, R. 2020) Innovations are from the grassroots levels, businesses, manufacturing, the national government, and Institutions. Some of the innovations are aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19. Creatives have also taken time to entertain and help people deal with anxiety, fear, and stress. Platforms such as TikTok have played a major role in entertainment throughout the pandemic.

Products/Services Highly Demanded during Covid-19

The demand for hand sanitizers has risen since the declaration of COVID-19 outbreak. Manufacturers of hand sanitizers are smiling to the bank. Alcohol-based sanitizers are proven to kill germs that transmit viruses, including the coronavirus. The alcohol-based sanitizers are a suitable alternative to soap and water hence their widespread use in offices, bus stops, market places, local shops, train stations, hospitals, and personal use.

Before the COVID-19 Outbreak, face masks were not so popular, it is now illegal to be outside without a face mask, making this the most highly demanded product during the COVID-19 pandemic. World health organization estimates that 89million masks are required annually; due to increased demand, some countries are experiencing shortages( World Health Organization 2020). People have been required to improvise. Gloves and hazmat suits for healthcare providers are also in demand.

Ultraviolet LEDs which have been used to sterilize surfaces and kill germs are on demand. Most companies are buying them to sterilize their workplaces to prevent the spread of the virus. Face masks prevent the spread of the virus.

Delivery services have increased as people are traveling less. Most people have been advised to stay home to prevent the spread of COVID-19. They are opting to shop online hence increasing the demand for delivery services. Food delivery services such as UberEATS have an increased demand to deliver food in homes. Major eateries have also come up with delivery services.

People are unable to go to the gym hence the need to exercise at home. The demand for Home fitness equipment has risen greatly. Retailers have reported a shortage of equipment due to the increasing number of people working out at home.

Gardening supplies are on-demand as more people are tending to their gardens during this time. The demand was unprecedented; therefore, companies are working hard to ensure that there is no deficit.

The majority of people work from home, and students are studying online hence the need for online Conferencing. Digital platforms such as zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Raddish enable online meetings on the rise during the pandemic.

Consumers are stocking up foods during the COVID-19 crisis. They have turned to packaged food, which is easily stored and bought in large quantities without fear of going bad. Packaged pastry food is the leading in demand, and companies are working hard to meet the demand.

Cleaning Services are on-demand; they are being sought to provide fumigation and sanitization services in businesses, markets, train stations. Business is good for the cleaning service providers, as most public spaces are required to be disinfected with trained personnel.

Home entertainment services are on the rise, most people who are home are streaming online, and companies such as Netflix are on demand. Online subscription companies have greatly profited from the increased demand. (Ling, G. H. T., & Ho, C. M. C. 2020).

Technologies/Innovations which are being used in Malaysia during Covid-19

Project Cov-shield Prototype 1 is among the developments used in Malaysia. The health professionals created it at the University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) assisted by prop developers. The prototype saves time and minimizes the risk of infection of health caregivers attending to COVID-19 patients because it is a non-contact testing machine. Their inspiration was drawn from South Korea who developed COVID -19 phone booth like stations.

Fig1: Cov-shield prototype 1. Courtesy of Facebook

Local designers in Malaysia sew medical gowns for medics to meet the personal protective equipment deficit that has hit the world due to increased demand for protective gear. Local designers Melinda Looi and Khoon Looi have sewn medical gowns for medics in the frontline against COVID -19. Local inmates in Malaysia with prior sewing skills have put it to use by sewing masks.

Fig 2 Sewn Medical gowns for medics by designers Melinda Looi and Khoon Looi.

The Malaysian locals have created interesting alternatives for personal protective equipment such as face shields and face masks. Residents have resorted to making masks from clothing and face shields from plastic due to the high pricing of PPE and, in some cases, shortage.

Fig 3 Makeshift face shields from plastic bottles. Courtesy of CNN.com

Capsulated stretchers have been created from 3D printing Malaysia for COVID, a Facebook nonprofit Organization who brainstormed and came up with amazing capsulated stretchers to help out during the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization has used its resources and expertise to promote the noble cause.

Fig 4 Capsulated stretchers by 3D printing Malaysia. Courtesy of Biliran Provincial Hospital

Front Line Medics have resorted to using Personal Protective gear made from garbage bags and clingy bags due to the increased shortage in gear and the increased risk of infection. The Malaysian government is yet to meet the deficit of PPE.

Fig 5 Health professionals using garbage bags as PPE courtesy of the Raky post

Conclusion

COVID-19 has led to an increase in demand for goods that were not quite in demand before the pandemic. A lot of room is available for innovation and creativity due to increased demand in goods such as Personal Protective Equipment. Malaysia has shown great steps in innovation in efforts to fight against COVID -19. ( Hasanat et al. 2020)