The Economic Effects of Covid-19
Answer all questions in complete sentences, based on the video clips in the lesson.
Video One
In this video, Moody’s Analytics' chief economist Mark Zandi talked about the state of the U.S.
economy and how the pandemic has bifurcated the economy or split it into two parts.
How did Covid affect industries like retail, brick and mortar businesses, transportation, and
hospitality?
What is the impact of this on the employees of those businesses?
What sector of the economy wasn’t really affected?
How were the employees of this sector affected?
Video Two
In this video, Jon Hilsenrath, a writer for the Wall Street Journal, talks about the ways that the
economy is changing based on the social distancing measures put in place during the Covid-19
pandemic. He spoke about what the economy might look like after the pandemic is contained.
What is one example of a company that is doing well in the pandemic?
What is one example of a company that is struggling in the pandemic?
What does Hilsenrath mean when he compares Covid to a tornado?
What is one example of how Covid may change how we purchase goods and services?
Video Three
In this video, Roben Farzad, who hosts a podcast focusing on financial news, discussed what
the retail and labor might look like after Covid-19.
How has Covid affected Starbucks? What will its new normal look like?
How will Covid affect labor?
Go to page two.
Apply What You Have Learned
Now, using your notes from above and your own ideas, apply what you have learned to each of these
questions. Respond to each question in 2-3 sentences.
Government Response
After viewing these video clips and making your predictions, how can the government help workers
and businesses who have been negatively impacted by the shutdowns and restrictions resulting from
Covid-19?
Business Strategies
Based on what you have learned, make a list of three strategies that business could use to prepare
for the future and explain why this strategy would be effective.
Worker Training
Based on what you have learned and your own observations, how can schools and communities
prepare future workers for the changing job market?
