Relaxing on a Yacht... COVID-19 Preparedness Also Shows 'The Rich Get Richer, The Poor Get Poorer'

Some Wealthy Individuals Self-Isolate on Yachts and in Luxury Bunkers
Poor Populations in India Face Livelihood Threats Due to City Lockdowns
"Large-Scale Unrest Possible in Impoverished Areas"

David Geffen posted a photo of his luxury yacht on Instagram. / Photo by Instagram capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan, Intern Reporter Lim Juhyung] The disparity between rich and poor is starkly revealed in the methods of coping with the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). While some wealthy individuals isolate themselves luxuriously inside their privately owned superyachts or bunkers, the poor suffer greatly from the infectious disease crisis.

As COVID-19 spreads worldwide, an increasing number of wealthy people are using expensive private aircraft, yachts, and bunkers as shelters.

According to the US 'Bloomberg' on the 30th (local time), David Geffen (77), a film producer and record company executive, posted on his Instagram on the 28th, "Self-isolating on my yacht, the Grenadine. Wishing everyone safety," along with photos.

The photos Geffen posted show his $550 million (approximately 673 billion KRW) superyacht sailing against the backdrop of a sunset. He also shared interior photos of the yacht.

Geffen's post drew criticism from some netizens. One commented, "Poor people in this country (the US) cannot even get tested and are trembling in fear. Yet you flaunt your hundred-million-dollar yacht." Another sarcastically said, "Thank you for wishing us safety."

Also, according to 'CNBC,' inquiries about aircraft usage to the aviation company 'FlyEliteJet' have surged more than tenfold from about 30 per week to 300 in the past 3-4 days.

The yacht brokerage firm 'Burgess' also reported an increase in family clients chartering yachts for 5 to 7 weeks to avoid COVID-19.

Luxury bunkers equipped with swimming pools, gyms, and rock climbing facilities are also gaining popularity. Bunker manufacturer 'Survival Condo' told the media that inquiries and sales of bunkers have surged, explaining, "Usually, we have to work hard to attract customers, but now customers are in more urgent situations."

Due to the national lockdown imposed by the Indian government amid the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), daily wage workers from rural areas who have fallen into financial hardship are waiting for government-arranged buses on the outskirts of New Delhi on the 28th (local time) to return to their hometowns. / Photo by Yonhap News

On the other hand, the poor are in a chaotic situation due to the spread of the infectious disease. Cities or regions are locked down, causing people to lose jobs or miss timely treatment.

In New Delhi, the capital of India, where a lockdown order has been in place for three weeks since the 25th, tens of thousands of daily wage workers who lost their jobs crowded bus stops in chaos, trying to return to their hometowns.

According to local media such as the 'Times of India,' many workers who failed to board buses walked hundreds of kilometers to their hometowns, with cases of exhaustion and death occurring frequently.

In European countries such as Italy and Spain, which implemented strict lockdown measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, the poor have also suffered significant damage.

Francesca Roca, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, said at a UN briefing on the 28th, "Due to workplace closures, low-income groups have no way to earn income," adding, "Mass unrest could occur within weeks in impoverished areas of major European cities."