No one was prepared for the Covid-19 juggernaut. The pandemic has raged through populations around the world, exacting a terrible human cost — over 470,000 of the 9 million+ people infected have died from the disease (WHO Situation Report, June 24, 2020) — and in many countries around the world, infection rates have yet to peak. Even as we continue to learn new information about this novel coronavirus, there’s one thing experts agree on: we’re far from the finish line.
The speed and ferocity with which the virus has spread, and the consequent lockdowns around the world, have left the global economy on shaky ground. The hospitality and aviation businesses are reeling, but manufacturing, retail and other service industries have also had setbacks. This, and fears of a second wave of the virus, have raised questions about our collective global economic future. Pundits are anticipating a recession — some say we are already in it. Some fear that the indirect human cost of this pandemic, through loss of livelihood and starvation, will be even greater than those dying from Covid-19.
Tata companies have sprung into action to alleviate the impact of the pandemic, leading the way through compassion, innovation and adaptation. Since Covid-19 peaked globally, and then in India, Tata companies are working round the clock to ensure availability of essential goods and services for the country in challenging lockdown situations. They are enabling organisations around the world to continue operations and remain productive with best-in-industry technology and communications solutions, as well as adapting their businesses to new protocols and safety measures to protect their employees, customers and the many stakeholders.
Click through the stories below to read how Tata companies have navigated the pandemic to adapt to the new normal.
—Anuradha Anupkumar, Arushi Agrawal, Cynthia Rodrigues & Sanghamitra Bhowmik