Question

- Covid-19 Virus- Is it ethical to shop sales right now? Are you putting people in harms way at our own selfish wants? Explain.

Answer 1

No, for me it is unethical. But again there are two sides to this dilemma amidst the recent Covid -19 breakout. On one side, staying safe at home (which of course means at least no offline shopping) and on other side thinking about the economy and making yourself happy under these stressful situations.

From the economic perspective, manufacturers/retailers are trying their best to keep customers shopping as consumer spending is important for the economy. On the other hand, encouraging customers to come out and shop is like inviting them more towards imbibing this pandemic virus. Buying discretionary items — anything that’s not food and supplies — feels kind of weird and maybe even a little wrong or unethical for the consumers. It is the way you look at it. For me, life always comes first. Economy can be build later if people are healthy and happy.

So I am of the opinion to give yourself a break during these stressful times and staying at home and only go shopping in case of certain emergency needs such as buying food or medicines which cannot be avoided. For that too try to buy it online if possible. There's so much to touch and grab at the grocery store – shopping carts, freezer door handles, cardboard boxes and plastic packaging.etc. which are almost unavoidable. These are among the few places left where people are allowed to gather, and such stores, experts say, is person-to-person transmission and being around so many people who might be carrying the virus.

Thus it is not ethical at this point of time to shop sales right now.