Introductory Note

Abstract

At the height of the pandemic, countries worldwide closed their borders to stem contagion, bringing economic activities to nearly a standstill. This left many firms with no choice but to redesign their business models and fast-track digitalization. More than two years on, countries worldwide have accepted that the virus will not completely disappear. The pandemic is transiting into an endemic phase, with a baseline number of people constantly affected by the disease. Countries worldwide have opened their borders; businesses have gradually moved back onto the growth trajectory. Traveling activities have resumed and increased significantly, though they have not reached the same level as Pre-COVID. It will become a new normal for people to learn to adapt and live with the virus.