How Brands Can Handle COVID-19

Corona Virus (COVID-19) bought the world to a halt. This will be the only incident that will be remembered for the year 2020. What a start to the year I must say. With 163,090 people tested positive for the Coronavirus, WHO has officially declared the Coronavirus as a pandemic. There is a wave of fear around and people are panicking. It has drastically affected the world and the economy. When I say that it has had a largely negative impact on some brands, some brands are booming.

Sectors like aviation, travel, and tourism, retail outlets have had a severe impact. Whereas, sectors like the hygiene market, video streaming platforms, the grocery retail industry are thriving. 

Twitter has a word of advice for brands that have been directly or indirectly affected by the Coronavirus. On the 11th of March, Twitter posted a blog outlining the possible threats for brands trying to communicate while the entire world suffers a pandemic. Twitter did not say that brands should evade talking about coronavirus but they just have to be sensitive about the message they are putting out to the world. Brands like Netflix, online food delivery aggregator Zomato, Hindustan Unilever’s Lifebuoy and Amul are creating awareness about the disease by public service messaging campaigns. Besides, some brands are using the disease as an opportunity. In Italy, Pornhub is offering premium membership during the time of self-isolation and will be donating a percentage of its proceedings from Modelhub to local hospitals.

In the current situation, brands should communicate and they need to ensure that necessary precautions are taken. Brands should proactively create security for their employees whether it is granting them the opportunity to work from home or to ensure precautions are carried out for a safe working environment. Another important measure to undertake is to use social media to coordinate employees, consumers, and other stakeholders. The messages that convey should be thought through due to the sensitivity of the epidemic. And lastly, preparing for recovery is crucial. Brands must start developing their recovery plan while still dealing with the crisis.