New challenges of a Pandemic

While no property or casualty insurance policy now covers business losses for pandemic-type events, legislative and regulatory pressure will surely be placed on the industry to provide a market for such losses. A very imaginative tort bar and sympathetic juries will have their roles, as well.Facing a pandemic, a myriad of issues need to be assessed. Every business will need to ask itself if it is “virtual” (with the ability to operate from employees’ homes). Retailers face sales and product delivery viability, as landlords need to plan for rent abatement for shutdowns (government or prudent). Everyone expects our infrastructure to be maintained, even while understanding that utility workers will be exposed to the same illness as the rest of the population. Those issues, compounded by health care capacity, food supply, and spoilage problems, are enormous concerns to city planners.Remember, communications with employees, clients, vendors, and customers are key to surviving any catastrophe. Increasing risks from severe storms as well as global threats from a pandemic spread of illness create tremendous new challenges to our businesses as well as the basic life safety for our employees, our families, and ourselves.Finally – survival will depend upon the quality of our business planning.Please do that for a better ability to survive.