The economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the polish economy

Abstract

The date of the end of the COVID-19 pandemic is difficult to forecast. Apart from the undoubted humanitarian and social consequences, its development and spread will also contribute to changes in the economy. This paper describes the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic for the Polish economy. Depending on the way the pandemic will develop, the Organization for Cooperation and Economic Development predicts that the Gross Domestic Product in Poland will drop by -7.4%, and will rebound to 4.8% by the end of 2021. It is also assumed a broad-based recovery with GDP rebounding by 2.4% in 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the labor market in Poland. It is assumed that the Polish economy has been affected less by the effects of the pandemic than other European countries. The coronavirus pandemic contributed to significant changes in the organization of work, that is, an increase in the percentage of people doing a household work. Humankind has already learned how to overcome global crises, but their burdens have never been evenly distributed. Losses and threats bring new chances and opportunities. In line with the Pareto principle, it is stated that even if 80 percent of people suffer losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the remaining 20 percent of them will ultimately benefit from it. The aim of this article is to analyze the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic in Poland and to present the most affected industries. In the opinion of the authors of the study, this issue should be described in greater detail.