Sometimes one crisis can hide within another, and sometimes a crisis can actually provide an opportunity. Since the N1H1 flu (i.e., “swine flu”) virus hit Mexico, it has had a major impact not only on day-to-day life but also on Mexicans’ mood. An intense culture of caution emerged overnight in Mexico City: face masks, companies operating at half-speed, not to mention closed schools, universities, restaurants, cafés, cinemas, parks and museums.
The prevention campaign crystallized when the government declared five days of closing all non-essential business, virtually grinding the economy to a halt. In a message to the people, Mexican President Calderón suggested, “Stay home; it is the safest place you can be. Take this opportunity to spend time with your family and to do housework.”
Even as the crisis was affecting most businesses, it became clear that this was an opportunity for others. A few days after the president’s speech, a newspaper ad for IMPAC, one of the biggest paint shops, read, “Quarantine? Take the opportunity to waterproof your home in the next few days.” Comex, another paint supplier, also urged consumers to do some home improvement: “This weekend, make a new home out of your house. Make a new look for your home.”
As the health crisis has unfolded, a larger economic crisis has resulted as Mexican businesses have been forced to keep workers at home during the government-mandated quarantine. But even during a crisis, new opportunities can arise.
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