Precisely.
Could Qantas have stood us down during the GFC because the collapse in bookings was outside of their control? Can they use that excuse every time there is a recession?
At some point the effect of the recession needs to be separated from the effect of the pandemic, even if one lead to the other.
I don’t believe you can stand down employees simply due to a lack of demand. However it will almost certainly be decided in court one day.