Can Virtual Mediations Really Work?

Before Covid-19, mediations usually took place physically. However, as the pandemic continues to tighten its hold, it is difficult to see a time in the near future when traditional face to face mediations will once again take place. Does this mean mediation has been resigned to the history books, if only on a temporary basis?

If the world's economy is to survive the pandemic, it must adapt as quickly as possible to enable business to "carry on as normal". Within some industries, the coronavirus has led to a rise in conflicts as supply chains have been disrupted; issues have arisen around the management of workforces and commercial entities everywhere are reviewing contracts for force majeure clauses that can be invoked. Unless a conflict can wait out the current crisis, which is highly unlikely if court proceedings have already commenced, then virtual mediation may be the most efficient alternative dispute resolution available to the parties at this present time.