How San Francisco’s Businesses are Coping in Today’s Pandemic

A lot of people today lost their job or lost their business. In San Francisco, there are businesses that are now allowed to operate again despite the risks that are still present. Though the number of cases has decreased and medical front liners are now more prepared to address the situation, Covid19 is still a problem that everyone has to face.

According to a gig conducted in San Francisco, workers who participate in the gig economy are vulnerable to the virus. According to a survey conducted among 600+ people who work for Uber, Lyft, Doordash, and other apps, most of them are suffering financially. 56% of the respondents are immigrants who still rely on public assistance even if they are working 40+ hours weekly to make ends meet.

And also, though there is support among those who are vulnerable, many are still looking for additional help as a good number of businesses have either folded or cut their losses.

What to expect from the new normal?

So what exactly can you expect from the new normal? Businesses are going to resume their operations but there are changes that are going to be applied not only for the safety of their employees but also for the safety of their customers and clients. Though you may find it a bit awkward at first, this is something that we are going to do until the pandemic is over.

For instance, you can expect businesses to have additional costs from these changes. It also means that consumers are going to be shouldering the end of it. It is possible to expect 5% or even up to 10% increase in some items that you used to buy. Come to think of it, what are the additional cost of operating in the new normal? Sanitation to lessening the number of customers that they can accommodate to maintain social distancing, these are just a few things that you might encounter in different businesses.

However, you also have to keep in mind that some businesses will remain closed. There will be businesses that will not be coming back anytime soon such as movie theaters or bars. If you are involved in these businesses, it might be a good idea that you turn to other gigs first. You can expect these types of businesses to remain close for a few months or even for a year.

If you are an employee, it will be difficult to meet your regular working hours. A lot of businesses today will require their employees to work fewer hours every week not only to cut losses but to also lessen the number of employees that they have to let go of.

If you are going to switch companies, you want to go for a company that is in-demand these days. There are companies that are considered to be vital even during the pandemic. Those who work for the food sector will always be needed. However, it will be more deliveries than dine-in restaurants.

It is of utmost importance that individuals learn to budget and save for the rainy days considering the impact of Covid19. Though will this still be possible for most people in San Francisco given that we are living in the new normal?