The spread of COVID-19 is affecting all of us. Almost every country has been affected by this devastating COVID-19. Undoubtedly, this Corona virus has put the world economy at a major risk. In recent weeks, we have seen the serious economic impact of the corona virus on financial markets and vulnerable industries such as manufacturing, tourism, hospitality and travel. Travel and tourism account for 10% of the global GDP and 50 million jobs are at risk worldwide. Global tourism, travel and hospitality companies closing down affect all small medium enterprises globally. This, in turn, affects many people, commonly the least well-paid and those self-employed or in part-time work with zero-hours contracts. Some governments have announced economic measures to safeguard jobs guarantee wages and support the self- employed, but there is a lack of clarity in many countries about how these measures will be implemented and how people will manage a loss of income in the short-term.
Behind these statistics lie the human costs of the pandemic, from the deaths of friends and family to the physical effects of infection and the mental trauma and fear faced by almost everyone. Not knowing how this pandemic will play out affects our economic, physical and mental well-being against a backdrop of a world that, for many, is increasingly anxious, unhappy and lonely. Fear of the unknown can often lead to feelings of panic, for example when people feel they are being denied life-saving protection or treatment or that they may run out of necessities, which can lead to panic buying. Psychological stress is often related to a sense of a lack of control in the face of uncertainty. In all cases, lack of information or the wrong information, either provided unintentionally can turn up the effects. There is a huge amount of misleading information circulating online about COVID-19, from fake medical information to speculation about government responses. 
Social distancing and lockdowns have also prompted selfless behaviours, in part because of a sense that “we’re all in this together”. Many people report being bored and others have discovered a slower pace of life and by not going out and socializing have found more time for family, others and even their pets. The pitfall of self-isolation or social lockdown are symptoms of traumatic stress, confusion and anger, all of which are increase by fear of infection, having limited access to supplies of necessities, inadequate information or the experience of economic loss or stigma. This stress and anxiety can lead to increased alcohol consumption, as well as an increase in domestic and family violence.

Joint secretary Ankita Chhetri