CHICAGO — As the number of cases of COVID-19, commonly called the coronavirus, grows in the United States, more Americans are at risk, and it is affecting more U.S. business, including the convenience-store, fuel and foodservice industries.
As of March 9, at posting time, Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the spread of the virus on its own dashboard, showed 600 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States, and 21 people have died from the virus. Worldwide, it showed 111,362 confirmed cases and 3,892 deaths in 109 countries.
For additional updates, click here to view the World Health Organization COVID-19 Situation Dashboard and click here to view the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Situation Summary. The New York Times offers a state-by-state look at the COVID-19 numbers, including a map.
Most states are updating citizens on the coronavirus situation daily, primarily though governors’ press conferences in coordination with state departments of health. Many have launched task forces and response teams to deal with the crisis and are offering guidance for schools, businesses and the general public.
Several states—California, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Maryland, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah and Washington—have declared states of emergency related to COVID-19.
Here is a roundup of recent news on COVID-19:
CSP and Winsight
New report shows one-third of consumers plan to leave the house and dine out less often than usual.
- Coronavirus in the Food and Beverage Industry (Winsight Media)
Join a Facebook group dedicated to news and information about COVID-19.
- Novel Coronavirus Update (NRA Show)
The 2020 National Restaurant Association Show will take place as planned in May, and the company is watching closely for new developments around the coronavirus situation to keep the foodservice community apprised of the latest updates.
- Consumers Likely to Cut Back on Restaurants in a Coronavirus Pandemic (Restaurant Business)
A Technomic survey reveals that Americans are paying close attention to the topic, even as they are uncertain about what to do.
- Anxious Shoppers Overload Carts at Costco (Winsight Grocery Business)
Club store retailer reports heavy volumes as members stock up for virus prep.
- Technomic’s Take: COVID-19, The Foodservice View (Technomic)
This white paper provides some understanding to foodservice professionals on the consumer view of COVID-19 and its potential effects on the foodservice industry.
- Keeping the Coronavirus at Bay (FoodService Director)
Foodservice operators are paying attention to the coronavirus as the CDC seeks to boost awareness of the illness and how it spreads.
CDC issues recommendations to help employers cope with the looming health crisis.
Other Sources
- Dow Jones Futures Plunge, Crude Oil Futures Crash on Rising COVID-19 Cases, OPEC Price War: Coronavirus Stock Market Correction (Investor’s Business Daily)
Dow Jones futures plunged Monday morning, along with S&P 500 futures and NASDAQ futures, as an all-out crude oil price war adds to coronavirus fears. The Dow Jones futures, which were halted to limit the drop, suggest that the coronavirus stock market correction will hit new lows.
- Coronavirus Fears Curb Gas Prices (GasBuddy)
For the first time in three weeks, the national average price of gasoline has fallen, posting a drop of 6.2 cents to $2.41 per gallon. The average price of diesel, meanwhile, fell 4.6 cents to $2.84 per gallon.
“As the spread of the coronavirus induces panic on markets, oil prices have been walloped and motorists should avoid filling up as the plummet in oil prices starts showing up at their local gas station in the days ahead,” said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.
- Statement from Elizabeth Avery, President & CEO, SNAC International, Regarding Cancellation of SNAXPO20 (SNAC International)
As a result of the effects of significantly reduced anticipated attendance related to recent corporate travel restrictions, SNAC International has made the difficult decision to cancel its annual main event, SNAXPO 2020, scheduled for March 22-24 in Charlotte, N.C.
- IRI Growth Summit Update (IRI)
IRI has canceled the 2020 IRI U.S. Growth Summit scheduled for March 30-April 1, 2020, in Orlando, Fla.
The new GfK study, conducted March 3 and 4, also reveals that three-quarters (76%) of Americans who are aware of COVID-19 (or 70% of all Americans) have taken preventative steps to ward off the coronavirus.
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