Companies Hit Hard by Coronavirus

Along with China and other countries, Korea has struggled with the coronavirus epidemic.

Due to the global emergency, people are keeping away from crowded places in order to avoid being infected by the virus.

This situation has had an impact on society in numerous ways.

For example, most schools canceled their graduation and entrance ceremonies, which usually take place in January and February.

Many students were robbed of the experience of wearing graduation caps and gowns and taking pictures with family and friends.

The epidemic has also had a negative effect on businesses, such as restaurants and cafe.

Meanwhile, many moviegoers stopped going to theaters, and some film companies had to postpone their opening dates as a result.

Large retailers and supermarkets also reported low sales numbers.

Some companies and stores visited once by a carrier of the virus even underwent quarantine and had to temporarily shut down.

On the other hand, some companies have seen their profits rise due to the unfortunate situation.

More people are using online delivery services and online shopping malls in place of visiting brick-and-mortar stores.

Also, rather than go to movie theaters, more people are subscribing to pay-per-view and online streaming services.

However, the greatest growth was experienced by companies that produce masks and hand sanitizes.

Most of these companies have had their products sell out during the month of January and February.

 

• epidemic ˌepɪˈdemɪk 유행병, 유행성 (전염병)  keep away from …에 가까이 하지 않다.  gown ɡaʊn 법복, (학위 소지자들이 졸업식 등에서 입는) 가운

• have / make  an impact on  ~에 영향을 주다 영향을 미치다. (=influence, affect.)  be robbed of 강탈당하다

• moviegoer ɡòuər  영화 구경을 자주 가는 사람, 영화 팬(filmgoer)  as a result 결과적으로   undergo -  underwent   (특히 변화·안 좋은 일 등을) 겪다[받다]

• quarantine |kwɔːrəntiːn  (전염병 확산을 막기 위한 동물사람의) 격리 / 격리하다  see their profits rise  누구의 이익이 늘다

• in place of somebody / something ~ 대신에  brick-and-mortar 소매의, 오프라인 거래의.  brick brɪk 벽돌 (→red-brick)  mortar  mɔ́ːrtər절구 , 박격포

• rather than …보다는[대신에/…하지 말고]  experience ɪk|spɪriəns  겪다, 경험하다 / (지식과 기능을 쌓게 되는) 경험[경력] (→work experience)

• sanitize ˈsænɪtaɪz  위생 처리하다, 살균하다 (=disinfect)