5 Sectors of Economy worst hit by the second wave of Covid-19

• Posted on Jun 25, 2021
• |
• By Shrotriyo S

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many businesses and numerous lives in the past year. Indian economy has, till now seen the first wave followed by long nation-wide lockdowns through 2020.  The first wave had a devastating effect on the Indian economy, the effect is still difficult to gauge correctly. The first wave was followed by a second wave which was not as disrupting for the Indian economy. However, it caused widespread death and the medical sector was heavily underhanded. The second wave reached its peak in the month of May 2021.

COVID-19 has slowed the economy heavily but affected a few sectors of economy a lot more than others sectors of economy. Here are the 5 sectors that have been badly affected by the second wave of Covid-19.

Hospitality sector

 This sector of economy has faced the onslaught of the COVID pandemic since the localized lockdowns started way back in 2020. With the surge in cases in the second wave all the states have imposed stringent lockdowns which have affected this sector in particular. This sectors of economy has a significant contribution to the annual GDP of India. The hospitality sector includes restaurants, hostels, service apartments, pubs, night clubs & bars. This business sector has been reduced to mere food delivery sector as that qualifies as essential services.

However, all the businesses in the hospitality industry have been facing this challenge. The economic impact of the second wave could last for a minimum of 3 months and that could severely impact this industry. Many small individual businesses may have no other choice than to wind up their business.

Tourism Sector

 This sector of economy is closely linked with the hospitality sector. The tourism sector employs millions of Indians. The rising cases reached its peak in May 2021 and stringent lockdown rules were imposed. In states including Maharashtra , Karnataka, Kerala, West-Bengal, Gujarat etc. The tourism sector is a major contributor in the GDP. 7% of the GDP is due to this sector of economy.

The second wave & the corresponding lockdown disrupted the recovering tourism sector from the losses incurred in 2020. The smaller domestic businesses have been hit severely by the first wave of  COVID-19. Many of such businesses may not be able to sustain till the effects of the second wave subsides.

Aviation & Travel Sector

 Aviation and the other travel sectors have been facing trouble since the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic.  Flights have been reduced by 43% compared to 2019. Furthermore, the situation is becoming more grim for this sector of economy. Apparently the aviation sector is only 0.5% of the GDP. However, this particular sector employees 1.7 million people and the 7.1 million people working in the travel sector are heavily dependent on aviation.

The fear in people of going out of their houses is a major factor behind the dwindling state of the aviation and travel sector. Moreover, this has affected the overall travel sector even when lockdowns were not imposed. The resumption of these services are heavily dependent on  when people feel confident to opt these services more than it is dependent on when the COVID_19 pandemic reaches its peak. Considering these factors the condition of this sector does not look well.

Automobile Sector

 The Automobile sector has seen a sharp fall in their sales in the month of May and thereafter. With the second wave of COVID-19 reaching its peak and rising infection this sector of economy has taken a battering. Reports suggest that this effect will continue for one more quarter although, it will depend heavily on how India deals with the situation.

As Automobile are discretionary items, it will depend heavily on the consumer sentiment. The reports shown a clear decline in the sale of automobiles in the month of April-May. Although, the automobile is better equipped to handle the situation, it still has taken a considerable hit.

Real Estate & Construction Sector

 The second wave of COVID-19 infection has taken a heavy toll on this sector of the economy. Large number of migrant workers have moved away from the urban areas during the first wave of the pandemic. With the shortage of workers most real estate operations were running with half or quarter of the required workforce. Experts report that the effects of the second wave will take one more quarter to completely dissipate. Furthermore, with stringent lockdown rules the contractors, builders face difficulty in acquiring raw materials.

In the midst of these challenges, companies like eXp Realty Georgia are navigating the complex landscape of real estate with a renewed focus on adapting to the shifting dynamics. The difficulties in acquiring raw materials and adhering to stringent lockdown measures have compelled real estate professionals to innovate and adjust their strategies. As the sector continues to grapple with these issues, the efforts of firms such as eXp Realty will be crucial in driving recovery and ensuring that the industry can effectively respond to evolving market conditions.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the economy in more sectors than it is mentioned above. However, these are the 5 sectors of economy which have been hit the worst.

• Posted on Jun 25, 2021
• |
• By Shrotriyo S
• |
• 0 Comments