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The coronavirus pandemic has impacted everyone, from individuals to businesses and entire nations. Even months after the initial outbreak, its effects continue to be deeply felt. Understanding which sectors have been hit and how is crucial in these challenging times.
Industries across all facets of life, from travel to gaming, have faced significant disruptions, often in surprising and unforeseen ways. Below, we explore the top 10 industries most devastated by the coronavirus.
10. Travel
The travel sector has arguably suffered the most from the pandemic. Struggling airlines, deserted tourist destinations, and closed luxury resorts are just a few examples of the widespread global impact.
Hilton Hotels and Resorts, a leading name in the hospitality sector, has experienced unprecedented revenue declines that would have been unimaginable before the pandemic. Similarly, Virgin Airlines, once Australia's top-performing carrier, is now struggling financially and has sought emergency loans from the Australian government.
Several airlines are undergoing complete overhauls to adapt to the COVID-19 crisis. These transformations include revamping aircraft interiors, overhauling reservation systems, and adjusting pricing strategies—either raising fares to offset losses or slashing them to lure customers. Despite billions being injected into travel firms to sustain them during this crisis, the future remains bleak for many.
9. Video Game
While the video game industry isn’t facing shutdowns or a total revenue drought, it has been significantly affected by the coronavirus. For instance, many online games are experiencing a massive surge in player activity, leading to server crashes. Some players have even reported waiting in queues for up to 10 hours.
There has also been a notable increase in subscriptions to popular MMORPGs like Final Fantasy XIV and World of Warcraft. While the player base is expanding, the physical distribution of games has encountered hurdles that are less favorable for the companies involved.
From Amazon prioritizing household essentials and halting orders for nonessential or entertainment items to game stores shutting down due to workplace coronavirus concerns, obtaining physical copies of new game releases became a significant challenge during the pandemic. If these patterns continue, some games might abandon physical releases altogether.
8. Fast Food
While numerous businesses shut down to curb the spread of COVID-19, fast-food chains like McDonald’s and Taco Bell stayed operational as 'essential businesses.' Many have revamped their cleaning protocols and adjusted operating hours to ensure employee safety, with some transitioning to drive-through-only services.
Several establishments have also enforced mandatory mask policies for both staff and customers. Although these measures appear effective, many employees remain anxious about the virus, leading some to quit or minimize public interaction.
Despite the challenges, the fast-food industry experienced a significant sales surge after adopting delivery services, either independently or through partnerships with platforms like DoorDash. This boost has prompted many chains to commit to maintaining their delivery options even after the pandemic ends.
7. Health Care
The health care sector is among the most visibly affected industries. A lack of infection-prevention supplies, combined with the inability or unwillingness of essential workers to maintain social distancing, has resulted in thousands of health care professionals contracting COVID-19.
Furthermore, shortages of hospital beds and staff have sometimes left COVID-19 patients without adequate care, as nurses and doctors in certain regions are stretched beyond their capacity. This has caused widespread burnout among hospital staff, potentially compromising the quality of patient care.
However, there is a silver lining. Across the US, numerous volunteer health care workers have stepped up to assist overwhelmed hospitals. These volunteers handle basic tasks, allowing exhausted medical professionals to take much-needed breaks during this crisis.
6. Retail
The retail industry, arguably one of the most critical sectors during the pandemic, has been thrown into disarray since COVID-19 began its widespread impact. Grocery stores, in particular, have struggled to keep up with the overwhelming demand for essential supplies.
Images and videos of stores like Walmart and Publix stripped bare of toilet paper and hand sanitizer became commonplace. Initially, many of these items were hoarded by scalpers aiming to profit from reselling them at inflated prices. With retail workers fearing for their safety amid exposure to potentially infected shoppers, tensions have escalated in stores nationwide.
The panic induced by the pandemic has forced many retailers to impose limits on the number of specific items customers can purchase. Combined with rising prices, mandatory early closures, and the constant threat of illness and job loss, the retail sector has become a far more challenging and strained environment in the wake of the coronavirus.
5. Pro Wrestling
In a surreal twist, WWE events during the pandemic have unfolded in an eerie silence, devoid of the usual roaring crowds. The absence of an audience creates an almost theatrical atmosphere, drastically altering the tone and experience of the wrestling matches.
Without the usual jeering crowds and enthusiastic fans, the humorous and absurd elements of pro wrestling take on a deeper emotional resonance. While this 'crowdless' format isn’t permanent, the unique atmosphere it creates will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on viewers—all due to the impact of the coronavirus.
4. Streaming
Streaming platforms are thriving in the current climate. Netflix, for instance, has seen unprecedented traffic as more people remain indoors. Other services like Hulu and Vudu have also experienced significant surges in usage and subscriber numbers.
However, this surge comes with challenges. To meet the soaring demand, platforms like Netflix are consuming more bandwidth, which has led to slower internet speeds overall. Popular sites such as YouTube and Amazon Prime are also facing increased traffic.
While many industries are struggling, the streaming sector is flourishing, reaching new heights with no indication of slowing down anytime soon.
3. The Film Industry
The film industry, particularly theaters, is facing widespread closures, cancellations, and significant revenue losses. Many actors are either unwilling or unable to work during the pandemic, leading to delays or cancellations of numerous film productions and releases. The rise of streaming platforms may even signal the end of the traditional theater experience.
Several films, including the highly anticipated Trolls World Tour, bypassed theaters entirely and were released directly on streaming platforms due to widespread closures. Surprisingly, these releases generated substantial profits, far exceeding what was expected from theatrical runs.
This shift has sparked significant backlash from the theater industry. Many theaters are now threatening to boycott future Universal Studios releases in response to the studio’s plan to simultaneously release films in theaters and on streaming platforms post-pandemic.
Theater owners argue that if films are no longer exclusive to theaters during their initial release period, audiences will stop attending altogether. However, some might argue that this shift could ultimately be a positive change.
2. Porn
While many overlook the impact of coronavirus on the adult entertainment industry, it has experienced a significant surge in consumption across various platforms. This boom is hardly surprising—what else are people doing with their newfound free time while stuck at home?
The industry isn’t just seeing more viewers; amateur production has also skyrocketed. In fact, a new genre has emerged, reflecting the current times.
One of the most popular trends right now is coronavirus-themed content. Many videos feature scenarios where actors pretend to have COVID-19, requiring medical attention or care from a partner. On the more extreme end, some scenes depict actors coughing on or infecting others.
However, the reality isn’t as glamorous as the fantasy. Many professional shoots have been canceled or delayed for safety reasons. To compensate for lost income, numerous industry workers have turned to webcam modeling, or 'camming.' Some have even left the industry temporarily, fearing exposure to the virus.
1. Music
The music industry has been thrown into turmoil by COVID-19, with canceled concerts, delayed album releases, and plummeting sales. While established artists remain relatively unscathed, record labels have reportedly suffered significant financial losses. With people stuck at home and cutting costs, many have turned to YouTube and piracy for music instead of attending live events or buying albums.
Despite the challenges, artists continue to create. Rapper Playboi Carti released an album from quarantine, reportedly completed in his home studio. Additionally, stars like Taylor Swift, Travis Scott, and Lady Gaga have hosted virtual concerts via livestreams or within popular games like Fortnite.
