1851

This past Saturday, March 14, hundreds of thousands of people hit bars and restaurants in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. This past Sunday, the same numbers crowded grocery stores. Today, people still hit the streets.&nbsp;Some, perhaps underestimating the severity of the coronavirus spread. Some, perhaps not caring – choosing to live their best lives. But, ladies and gentlemen, this is no longer a joke. This is the real life, this is not fantasy.Symptoms range. Donovan Mitchell, one of three NBA players who contracted the novel coronavirus, had no symptoms.<blockquote><a href="https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/nba-star-isolation-coronavirus-symptoms-warning/story?id=69616230&amp%3Bfbclid=IwAR098yYx4P3ISWuhhUoit5wS7AaP1jtBaNCj0sSICqfmig0gONwjscywgS8&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchising-and-coronavirus-this-is-not-a-joke-its-time-to-brace-for-impact-react-and-recover-2712532" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">"I have no symptoms which is a unique -- when people ask me I would say if you were to tell me I could play in a seven-game series tomorrow, I would be ready to lace up," Mitchell told Robin Roberts during an exclusive interview on "Good Morning America." "I'm just blessed to be able to be okay."</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/nba-star-isolation-coronavirus-symptoms-warning/story?id=69616230&amp%3Bfbclid=IwAR098yYx4P3ISWuhhUoit5wS7AaP1jtBaNCj0sSICqfmig0gONwjscywgS8&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchising-and-coronavirus-this-is-not-a-joke-its-time-to-brace-for-impact-react-and-recover-2712532" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">"I'm asymptomatic -- I could walk down the street if it wasn't public knowledge that I was sick, you wouldn't know it," Mitchell continued. "I think that's the scariest part about this virus, is that you may seem fine, be fine and you never know who you may be talking to who they're going home to."</a></blockquote>As the confirmed cases in Italy reached nearly 28,000 as of 7:13 p.m. CST on March 16 (<a href="https://www.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchising-and-coronavirus-this-is-not-a-joke-its-time-to-brace-for-impact-react-and-recover-2712532#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">according to this tracker</a>), the United States inched closer to 5,000. Death totals continued to climb, too, with the US a far cry less than Italy (2,158) at 85. Local and state governments have scrambled to figure out the best course of action for preventing additional spread.The franchise industry, as a whole, hasn’t seemed nervous about the virus itself, but rather the economic impact the country and world would face after the virus gets under control – a timeframe unknown, as <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/16/politics/white-house-guidelines-coronavirus/index.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchising-and-coronavirus-this-is-not-a-joke-its-time-to-brace-for-impact-react-and-recover-2712532" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">President Donald Trump declares that virus measures could push into August</a>.<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/16/us/nyc-coronavirus/index.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchising-and-coronavirus-this-is-not-a-joke-its-time-to-brace-for-impact-react-and-recover-2712532" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">New York restaurant and bar owners could be arrested if they refuse to abide by Mayor Bill de Blasio's executive order to restrict them to delivery and take-out only, reported CNN.&nbsp;The measures come as the City That Never Sleeps takes drastic steps to stop the&nbsp;spread of coronavirus.</a>While unknowns continue to surmount, two realities do exist. One, this is real. Two, eventually, just like every other crisis, there will be an end.Franchise brands must begin to thing in three stages. Now, the coming weeks and the future. Each part will carry weight in regards to the results of the decisions. With an ending in sight, no matter when, it is important for brands to think long-term, listen to local and state governments, and figure out the best pathway forward for their brands. And, to remember, that you are not alone in the pains of this challenge – every person and brand is facing the same thing.1851 will continue to cover the coronavirus and the impact to franchising. This week, 1851 will be co-hosting a special Franchise Community Webinar on the Coronavirus and Franchise. Register here:&nbsp;<a href="https://mbf6e734.clickfunnels.com/webinar-registration1584137477175?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchising-and-coronavirus-this-is-not-a-joke-its-time-to-brace-for-impact-react-and-recover-2712532" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://mbf6e734.clickfunnels.com/webinar-registration1584137477175</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Franchising and Coronavirus: This is not a joke, it’s time to brace for impact, react and recover

1851 Franchise

CNN Reports: New York bar and restaurant owners could be arrested if they refuse to stop serving customers

franchising-and-coronavirus-this-is-not-a-joke-its-time-to-brace-for-impact-react-and-recover

America's Swimming Pool

From Condo Manager to Pool Pioneer: Carrie Waltman’s Resilient Rise in Franchising

from-condo-manager-to-pool-pioneer-carrie-waltmans-resilient-rise-in-franchising

Preservan

image of a franchise employee from perservan

Why Franchise Brokers Should Consider Working With Preservan

franchise-brokers-preservan

SweatHouz

image of Sweat houz inside franchise location into investment

Why SweatHouz? 5 Reasons To Invest in the Category Leading Franchise Now

sweathouz-franchise-investment

Image of a woman relaxing in a sweathous swthz tub

SweatHouz Turns Recovery Into the Healthiest Form of Relaxation

sweathouz-swthz-franchise-opportunity-consumer

Image of the inside of a sweathous swthz franchise spa

Beyond the Fad: How SweatHouz’s Science-Backed Model, Private Suites and Superior Unit Economics Are Defining the Future of Wellness Franchising

science-backed-wellness-franchise

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

U.S. Government Shutdown - Impact on Franchises - 1851 Franchise

Government Shutdown Stalls SBA Loans: How the Shutdown Could Impact Franchises

government-shutdown-impacts-sba-loans-tourism-franchises

Subway Franchisees Resist Expensive Remodel Directives

subway-franchisees-resist-expensive-remodel-directives

The American Franchise Act: What It Means for Franchisors and Franchisees - 1851 Franchise

The American Franchise Act: What It Means for Franchisors and Franchisees

american-franchise-act-joint-employer-standard

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams Begins Franchising To Grow Its Fellowship Model

jenis-splendid-ice-creams-begins-franchising-to-grow-its-fellowship-model

Design with American and Federal Reserve flags against light blue background

Federal Reserve Expected To Cut Rates by Quarter Point, a Move That Could Boost Franchise Growth

fed-rate-cut-boosts-franchise-growth

Top Education Franchises To Consider for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Top Education Franchises To Consider Investing In for 2025

top-education-franchises-investment-opportunities

1851 Keyword - The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

part-time-franchises-picking-the-right-model

Design with image of person using microscope against a pink background

Top STEAM Education Franchise Opportunities for 2025

steam-stem-education-franchise-opportunities

Top Early Childhood Education and Child Care Franchises for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Top Early Childhood Education and Child Care Franchises for 2025

early-childhood-education-child-care-franchises

NJCAR v. Ford - New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

new-jersey-franchise-practices-act-njcar-v-ford

1851 Franchise Deep Dive graphic with Sparkle Squad logo

Sparkle Squad Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-sparkle-squad-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of Barb Volk and KidStrong logo

Why This Orangetheory Fitness Franchise Owner Is Developing KidStrong Franchises

kidstrong-franchise-owner-barb-volk-2025

photo-of-laynes-chicken-fingers-dalton-dennis-southern-oregon

Franchising and Coronavirus: This is not a joke, it’s time to brace for impact, react and recover

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS