Since 31 December 2019, the spread of COVID-19 has severely impacted many local economies around the globe. In
many countries, businesses are being forced to cease or limit operations for long or indefinite periods of time. Measures
taken to contain the spread of the virus, including travel bans, quarantines, social distancing, and closures of
non-essential services have triggered significant disruptions to businesses worldwide, resulting in an economic
slowdown. Global stock markets have also experienced great volatility and a significant weakening. Governments and
central banks have responded with monetary and fiscal interventions to stabilise economic conditions.
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