Four Years Later: Impact and Lessons of the COVID-19 Pandemic
On January 20, 2020, COVID-19 was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization. At the time, there were less than 600 confirmed cases. By the time of the March shutdown of many states in America, the number of confirmed cases had ballooned to over 500,000 and claimed the lives of around 26,000.
Like other global events, catastrophes, and news-making major events, everyone remembers where they were. The great shutdown coincided with a major drinking holiday, St. Patrick’s Day, 2020. That last beer out, a happy hour wasn’t just another happy hour. That beer wasn’t like the other beers. It was the last beer of an era.
Overnight, restaurants, food trucks, taprooms, breweries, and the other third places where we all spent so much of our lives were gone. For the breweries that survived the lockdown, changes were irreversible. A cascade of modifications, from methods of service to social media messaging made a business with a slim profit margin
Restaurants, Taprooms, Pubs, and Breweries, once buzzing with activity in the bustling cities where workers ate for lunch, went to happy hour, dinners, or to meet friends, were shuttered overnight.
Many breweries and restaurants are businesses built on passion. The profit margin for a restaurant (and breweries who prepare and serve food) is slim, and many didn’t survive long enough to benefit from the federal and state aid that came too late for some. Immediately, some businesses turned to the internet to connect with their customers, and market and sell their products, albeit with modifications.
The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly reshaped the world in ways that few could have predicted. From the earliest reports of a mysterious illness in Wuhan, China, to the rapid spread across continents, and the global response, every aspect of life has been touched by the virus. As we reflect on the journey so far, it becomes imperative to analyze the impact, the lessons learned, and the path forward.
The foremost impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been on public health. 1.2 million have been lost, and countless others have been affected by the virus's debilitating symptoms. Healthcare systems worldwide have faced unprecedented challenges, from shortages of medical supplies to overwhelmed hospitals. The virus has also highlighted existing health disparities, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities and those with underlying health conditions. A high percentage of those infected suffer from Long Covid, and children’s health has been compromised by inflammation after being infected.
The pandemic has triggered an economic crisis of unprecedented scale. Lockdowns and restrictions to curb the spread of a novel virus have led to widespread unemployment, business closures, and disruptions to global supply chains. Entire industries, such as travel and hospitality, have been decimated, while others have adapted to remote work and digital transformation. The contraction of a robust beer festival industry dampened the cultural and collective spirit of communal gatherings, a beloved feature of Craft Beer.
Governments have rolled out massive stimulus packages to support struggling businesses and individuals, but the road to economic recovery remains tenuous. Supply chain constraints, changes to the labor market, and extreme weather are moving targets to small businesses, many who have exhausted all physical and emotional resources to remain open.
Beyond its physical toll, COVID-19 has impacted the mental health and well-being of many. Social isolation, fear of illness, and uncertainty about the future have contributed to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. The 2020 Pandemic exacerbated existing social inequalities and strained relationships within communities. It has also fostered resilience, solidarity, and acts of kindness as people came together to support one another through difficult times.
The virus has been a harsh teacher, revealing vulnerabilities in our global systems and institutions. It has underscored the importance of robust public health infrastructure, early detection and response mechanisms, and international cooperation in tackling infectious diseases. Covid was the leading cause of death in the United States in 2020 and 2021, continuing to mutate and becoming easier to transmit, as it easily spread among those eager to put the crisis behind us.
Craft Beer still longs for the era before this novel virus imposed adjustments on all businesses. From the abolishment of menus in favor of contactless QR codes, to embracing mobile food eateries and streaming events live on YouTube, the industry is beginning to pivot.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the value of scientific research and evidence-based policymaking in guiding effective interventions. It has moved us to reevaluate our priorities, revealing a need for resilience, sustainability, and equity to build a brighter future. It revealed our weakness and interconnectedness - the Pandemic was a disaster for all, but our responses can be a boon to all.
As vaccines roll out and the world gradually emerges from the grip of the pandemic, there is cautious optimism for recovery. The lessons learned must guide our path forward. Investments in healthcare, education, and social welfare are essential to address underlying inequalities. Global collaboration is crucial in ensuring equitable access to vaccines and preparedness for future health threats. Sustainable development and climate action have to be prioritized to build a more resilient and inclusive world. Covid-19 will not be the last virus to upend society, the Disease X may already be circulating.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented global crisis, challenging every aspect of society without regard to borders. From the lives lost to the restaurant dreams shattered, there is simply no return in some regards. Like time, our industry must move forward. We can seek the lessons from this disaster, prepare, and take steps to strengthen our community with foundations built on cooperation and openness to change.
World Wide Beer Fest is committed to establishing structures and processes that inform a more resilient future, ever mindful of the potential of a single event to capture the attention of humanity, to sear a time and place into one's memory forever.