The Dow and Coronavirus COVID-19

Today, business is international — all of it. From mom-and-pop stores to multinational companies, we are linked with other businesses across the globe. One might brag that there are only 15 cases of coronavirus in the United States — today — but that will soon change. While we isolate people who have a disease, we cannot isolate our businesses from the nations now experiencing significant outbreaks of COVID-19. It is an international supply chain!

The Dow being down 7 percent and taking another 500-point drop at the start of trading on Thursday is a reflection of investor concern and the failure of "Don't worry, I've got this covered" happy talk.  

It is time to stop thinking that we will contain the virus and totally prevent its spread to the United States and encourage serious pandemic planning by governments, the medical community and business. We have to "get ahead of the curve of the disease" and not worry about panicking people. We need to think preparedness and get over the thought that people can't do anything to protect themselves and the ones they love. 

People only panic when they feel trapped. Pandemic preparedness activities will give them a way to use that nervous energy in a positive manner.