The Impact of Physical Distancing on the Sharing Economy

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to assess the possible impacts of physical distancing, implemented as a precaution against COVID-19, on businesses that depend on sharing economy, with an emphasis on developing economies. While COVID-19 has already been ravaging economies, there is a need to examine its impact on businesses that thrive on shared resources, which is a relatively new model, and thus merits an impact assessment. The methodology includes extensive background research on the origins of COVID-19, economic impacts of historic pandemics and examining the financial statements over the last six months of business that are purported to be affected, to assess the impact. This in addition to qualitative interviews of users of shared spaces and facilities, and collating media sources for stance taken by firms affected. The study aims to highlight the need for evolved business models to factor in physical distancing in order to adapt and stay insulated from future threats.

Keywords

• covid-19
• shared economy
• social distancing
• lockdown
• co-working
• co-living
• shared transport