While many cities in Asia and portions of Europe have been locked-down, across much of the United States it’s business-as-usual in retail and stores remain busy (in many cases busier than usual). The difference may mainly be one of timing.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has encouraged Americans to prepare for the prospect of “community spread” of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 in the US. Expanded testing has revealed that there are now cases in most states. Since the virus appears to be highly contagious, the situation has the potential to change very quickly, according to Hunter Williams, Partner in Oliver Wyman’s Retail and Consumer Goods group. Oliver Wyman is an affiliate of Guy Carpenter.
