I’m going to make a prediction about COVID-19

The financial implications of the worldwide response to this existential threat will bring about worldwide collaboration and an understanding of the kind of management needed in the future of such events.

I predict that the consequence to western countries managing their response to COVID-19 with lockdown will be an immediate economic downturn. However, I also predict that their economies will recover very quickly and that treatments – such as the pre-exposure medication that is used to prevent malaria, the medication that is used to prevent HIV transmission, the eradication of the virus that we have seen in hepatitis C management – will all come to bear against this threat. All of this, along with those identified as having immunity being allowed to travel, will allow international trade and economic partnerships to progress rapidly. These positive outcomes will predate vaccination options becoming available.

Those countries (like New Zealand) will forge new primary export relationships that will be of great benefit in replacing those industries that rely largely on transportation of individuals – as seen in our now defunct tourism industry.

The prime requirement of many countries will be for protein; this we can supply effectively and efficiently, and in plane loads.