The economic hardship caused by COVID-19 is nothing to blink at. In mid-March businesses all across the nation were forced to close their doors. Grocery stores have been packed with panic shoppers and shelves have been emptied. In fact, some food items have become relatively scarce – and not from a shortage of food. Farmers are dealing with issues in the supply chain forcing them to dump out milk and plow over fresh vegetables. The hardship bestowed on businesses is both immense and heartbreaking.
Class Action Lawsuit Against PRC
In mid-March of 2020, a group of individuals filed a class action lawsuit against the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and several PRC government entities such as the National Health Commission of the PRC, which is the administrative government body/executive department responsible for formulating health policies in mainland China.
The lawsuit claims that China knew of the lethality of COVID-19 yet refused to take the necessary actions early enough to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, which then led to a global pandemic being declared. The lawsuit includes millions of individuals and businesses with “injury, damage and loss related to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus”, including “discernible physical manifestations and injuries of trauma from the negligent conduct including, but not limited to physical pains, headaches, anxiety and insomnia.”
An Interrupted Supply Chain
You know the saying “don’t cry over spilled milk”? The current climate has rendered that sentiment null and void. Supply chains between farmers and manufacturers have been severely interrupted causing huge amounts of waste. As restaurants and schools across the nation have been forced to close, farmers and ranchers are dealing with a surplus of fresh produce, dairy and meat that have limited shelf life. And it’s not as simple as rerouting these large orders to grocery stores or food banks either. The ramifications of COVID-19 have caused farmers and ranchers to have to pour away milk, plow over vegetable crops to prepare for the next harvest.
The National Cattlemen’s Association is estimating losses totaling around $13.6 billion. The National Pork Producers Council is expecting about $5 billion in losses. All of this as a direct result of the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) global pandemic.
An Uncertain Future
While many states are beginning to reopen, they are doing so in phases to protect their residents from a sudden surge. Many states are assessing the hospitalization and fatality rate to determine if the state is ready to reopen. Once the determination has been made, phase one commences. What does this mean? It means that not only does phase one allow certain businesses to reopen, but that they must operate at a 50 percent capacity with additional rules and regulations in place to promote social distancing and good hygiene. Business owners aren’t in the clear yet, even with a green light, either. With fear still lingering in the air, customers may not be heading out in droves.
Businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19, including farms and those in the agricultural sector, are eligible to join the class action lawsuit filed against the PRC and various PRC government entities.
Experienced Class Action Attorney in Florida
If you or a loved one has been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic, you may be eligible to join the class action lawsuit. Contact an experienced class action attorney for representation you can rely on. To join the lawsuit or to learn more about your legal options, contact Julie Rice and Affiliates by emailing juliericelaw@icloud.com or by messaging us on our Contact Us page.
