The pandemic declared last week by the WHO has undoubtedly a crippling effect on businesses and poses major challenges and unexpected obstacles to supply chain management. Nevertheless, as always in such crisis situations, there are also companies that come out unscathed of them, even in a better condition and with innovative solutions. Will the coronavirus be a black swan for the Polish market and will it further accelerate the fast-growing e-commerce sector? An analysis by Damian Kołata, Associate, Industrial & Logistics Agency at Cushman & Wakefield.

According to Colliers International’ COVID-19 Insights, it will take until at least Q2 2020 for the investment market to come to terms with what is a very sharp economic global shock and a potentially deeper economic shock for Europe.

One United Properties announced that it is helping the medical system in fighting COVID-19 by donating €100.000.

The COVID-19 pandemic initially disrupted supply chains with China and these are now gradually being restored.  However, the epicentre of the pandemic has shifted to Europe, which has brought challenges for producers and distributors. The logistics sector is striving to maintain liquidity. All truck drivers – regardless of nationality – are exempt from the 14-day quarantine required on entry to Poland. Similar exemptions have been introduced by other EU member states. Fast-track lanes have been created for freight trucks across the EU. It’s all in an attempt to minimalize supply chain disruptions, Axi Immo writes in its report.

CPI Property Group offered the Czech government the entire capacity of the 14 hotels operated by CPI Hotels in the event that the government requires extra space for patients. The offer includes approximately 5,000 beds in 2,490 rooms and conference space that can normally accommodate almost 10,000 guests in total.

The global impact of the coronavirus outbreak is currently the main concern of everyone in the logistics sector. In response, real estate consulting firm Colliers International decided to conduct a flash poll asking industry participants (primarily transport/logistics companies, retailers, manufacturing companies, property developers, investors) in Germany about their perspective.

Globalworth announced changes to the Company's Board of Directors and an update regarding the COVID-19 outbreak. Ioannis Papalekas, the Founder, is stepping down from the Board of Directors of Globalworth but will remain as CEO. Dimitris Raptis, the current Chief Investment Officer and Deputy CEO, has been appointed co-CEO.