Service techs busy in economic downturn
By Marcelle Dibrell
One hundred and thirty- nine (139) days have passed since the United States recorded its first case of a confirmed Covid-19 patient, at press time. The world has 7,297,059 confirmed cases of Covid-19 and 413,237 total deaths. The U.S. has reached over two million confirmed cases, and a total death toll of 111,964 attributed to the disease, which is a 5.7 percent death rate among confirmed cases. On June 10, the U.S. was finding 11,802 new cases a day, and losing 683 people per day. The number of new cases is still growing; the daily growth rate had dropped substantially since it peaked on April 26, when 48,529 Americans tested positive.
However, it has been reported that in some states, including California and Texas, the daily hospitalizations are beginning to see a recent rise.
The country’s economic situation continues to reflect the realities of the Coronavirus situation.
While you don’t need a Ph.D. in economics to know the country is in a deep downturn, on June 8 the National Bureau of Economic Research announced that the U.S. economy is in a recession, making it official.
However, as bad a shape as the country is in, the committee did point to the possibility that this recession could be relatively short.
After all, jobs increased in May. According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, non-farm payroll employment rose by 2.5 million in May, and the unemployment rate declined to 13.3 percent, compared to 14.7 in April. Employment rose sharply in leisure and hospitality, construction, education and health services, and retail trade, as those industries returned to work.
The pool and spa industry has been positively impacted by the pandemic.
It is of little surprise to pool builders that construction is in increasing demand. Many builders are reporting that because the demand is so high, it will take eighteen months before they can address their current bids.
Service professionals also continue to report that they are busier than ever. Some say they’ve reached the point of turning away new customers rather than hiring new service techs. Many have raised prices.
Summer is just around the corner, but because of the pandemic, the swim season got a jump start in March and there’s no indication it will let up until fall.
As the country begins to see the results of flattening the curve, the worst certainly seems to be behind us. So, this special issue of Service Industry News will continue Coronavirus coverage, with additional items of interest to pool and spa professionals.
And once again, a huge thanks to all you service guys and gals out there ensuring the country doesn’t also succumb to deadly waterborne diseases and drownings.
