The coronavirus, which spreads the disease Covid-19, has been bad for many businesses, the fear of infection keeping people away from shops and restaurants. With so many employees being asked or forced to work from home, districts that benefited from their presence are also suffering financially. Revenue for transport companies is also sharply down, as are visits to cinemas, gyms and other gathering places. But difficulties are bound to spur innovative thinking and the can-do spirit that has helped Hong Kong weather so many past challenges has again risen to the fore.

Food delivery services have been big beneficiaries with a sharp uptake in orders from stay-at-home workers and their families. The increased demand has spurred expansion, with new kitchens being installed and extra staff employed to make rounds. Restaurants are turning to takeaway orders and some are offering discounts as an incentive. To prevent against risk of infection, a few are putting head-high dividers on tables so that single diners can enjoy meals in perceived safety.

Coronavirus a boon for Deliveroo, Foodpanda as diners opt to eat at home

The shortage of face masks and hand sanitiser has led to an increase in deliveries from overseas, and the post office and courier services have expanded working hours to meet demand. But the products, viewed by many as being essential protection, are also a useful incentive to draw customers into shops or purchase particular items. Panic buying of necessities such as rice, cooking oil and toilet and tissue paper, prompted by a fear that the disease will hamper the ability of mainland factories to maintain output, furthers their desirability as a bonus for sitting down for a meal or checking out a shop’s offerings. This is entrepreneurship at its most basic, but also evidence that Hongkongers are not going to let life come to a standstill even in the face of a health crisis.