NOTHING TO SNEEZE AT

摘要

The global economy is reeling as industries in virtually every field are suffering the challenges brought on by the unprecedented outbreak of the novel coronavirus and the spread of Covid-19. According to a report published by ECigIntelligence.com in February 2020, manufacturers of vapor products and components are relying on reduced workforces and coping with product shortages, which in turn is affecting product accessibility around the world. Shenzhen, China, is the manufacturing capital for the international e-cigarette industry. At press time, Covid-19 cases worldwide nearly topped 719,000, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Alarmingly, the number of deaths has exceeded 33,000, with the outbreak epicenters moving westward to Europe, Latin America and North America. Also, at the time of writing, data from China revealed a slowing of deaths and new cases as the metropolises of Wuhan, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Shenzhen slowly resumed manufacturing in what seems to be an entirely new world for international commerce. However, even then, these cities were shadows of their previous selves as bustling centers of industry and commerce.