2020 has been the worst year for almost every business. This pandemic has had a detrimental effect on everyone in some or the other way. Heading into the sixth month of the year and the pandemic, we have failed to come out with a vaccine yet. David Nabarro, WHO official has already said that we will have to learn to live with corona, a similar statement was issued by the Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. Does this mean we have to continue living like this? Without shopping? Without fulfilling our desires?
The situation has prompted businesses to re-invent their offerings and communication and is all set to make up to its customers. As the lockdown restrictions are easing down, people are coming up with innovative ways to run their businesses during a pandemic. From online delivery of a car to online delivery of alcohol, this is a new way of life that we are getting used to.
It took us a pandemic to understand the real value of the internet. From grocery shopping to buying a house, we have entirely dependent ourselves on the digital front. But this seems to be the only option in lines to follow the norms of social distancing. We will tell you how various businesses have changed the nature of their work to survive in such times:
Automobile: Mercedes-Benz, BMW are among the big names that have already started home delivery of brand new vehicles. Companies like Maruti, Honda, MG and many others have begun giving a test drive and new car delivery at your doorsteps. So, you don't have to worry about hygiene; the delivery person takes full precautions to maintain the highest level of hygiene. He sanitises the door handles, seat, steering wheel and the gear knob before you get into the car. Also, companies have started home pick-up and delivery for vehicle servicing with the same precautions.
Weddings: Wondering what happened to the marriages that were planned during this pandemic? Many wedding planners are offering home ceremonies for couples who could not get married because of the rampant virus. According to the latest guidelines issued by the government, you can still get married lavishly but with a restricted number of 50 guests.
Medical: Even the thought of going to a hospital at this time sends a chill down our spine. But if we can get a car delivered over a phone call, then why can't we consult a doctor sitting at home? Many hospitals have opted for online OPD services, which means you can just call up a doctor and tell him about the symptoms, and he will accordingly prescribe you the medicines. In fact, the Rajasthan government has started free medical teleconsultation service, which allows you to get quality medical consultation from home free of cost.
Education: Education sector is among the first sectors to come up with an alternative plan of action. Online classes and exams are being conducted across the nation. As per the new guidelines of lockdown 4.0, all the educational institutes are supposed to stay closed until further notice. Top 100 universities have been permitted to start online courses automatically by May 30 under 'PM eVIDYA' programme.
Sports: Sports may not be the same for its fans anymore. All the major sporting events around the world have been either cancelled or postponed. But the stars are doing their bit to keep the fans entertained. Many renowned players from F1, cycling, tennis and many other sports are organising virtual races on their stimulators. Never the less Bundesliga has begun this month, and Premier League is set to start from June 17. Indian fans remain hopeful of the imp\ending Indian Premier League (IPL).
Movies: First-day first show person? You don't have to wait for the government's order to open the doors of theatres. Now films are releasing on the OTT platforms. The Nawazuddin Siddiqui-starrer film Ghoomkketu just released in Zee5. Shakuntala Devi, Gulabo Sitabo, Laxmmi Bomb, Ludo, Jhund, Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl are among the films which have already signed contracts with various OTT platforms, and we can wait to watch them sitting at home in our comfort zone.
Augmented Reality Shopping: This pandemic has become more of a 'pain'demic to almost all of us. With the lockdown extending after every three weeks, there seems to be no one end to this. So, to keep you busy, developers have built applications with augmented reality, which means you can virtually try on a pair of glasses or jewellery by simply scanning your face/neck and it will show how it will look on you.
Gadgets: Many of us don't prefer to buy electronic items from any e-commerce websites. This is because of the rumours that they might be fake or refurbished. So many companies like Apple, Samsung, and HP etc. have started delivering phones/laptops at your doorstep. So, your next gadget is just a call away.
Surveillance: Lockdown has pushed almost every industry to change the way it used to serve its customers. Surveillance using CCTV is talk of the past. Even our government is not behind in using the latest tech to combat the coronavirus. Police officials of Delhi, Pune and many other cities have been using Drone's to keep a check on whether people are following the lockdown or not.
WHO has said that coronavirus may not go away and it might become an endemic like HIV. This doesn't mean that we will not be able to live our lives. There will be a lot of changes, there will be a lot of problems, but we will have to adapt to this by making a few changes in the way we used to live and by not compromising on the quality of life.
