Most humans will survive Covid-19, and at some point things will return to some new “normal.” A question for our nation’s planners - which of these ‘utilities’ do we want operational at the end of this period of disruption? Will we need airlines? Hotels? Restaurants? Almost surely we will need them. Cruise lines we could do without, although we may choose not to do so.
If all of these industries are to go through a period of no revenue, how can we protect them from mass bankruptcies? Or indeed should we do so? These are very complex questions, with no easy answers.
For example, might we say to restaurants that during any period of government-mandated closure you owe your landlord no rent? You owe your lenders no monthly payment of principal or interest? Thus causing the burden to be shared by landlords and lenders as well as restaurant proprietors? Might a property tax hiatus likewise exist for enforced closure periods on a pro rata basis?
I’m not at all certain I’ve hit upon the correct responses, but clearly these issues need considering. A society cannot turn its back on essential private sector infrastructure in the hospitality, entertainment, and travel industries, nor do we wish to makeover these into public-owned entities, God forbid.
Can you imagine anything less welcoming than a government-run restaurant or hotel? Having lunch at the DMV or getting a room at the Post Office? Grim, and boring too.
