Answer to Question #196841 in English for Sania

Question

Covid19 and its impact on employment and unemployment

Answer 1

The sudden emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic is dealing a severe blow to state economies, businesses, and workers. First and foremost, states are strengthening their health care capacity in the event that demand for medical services surges. Ensuring there are enough licensed health care professionals is a key component in this preparation. 

States are also restricting access to in-dining restaurants, theaters, concert halls, some retail stores, and other non-essential businesses where large groups of people risk coming into close contact with one another. Additionally, public health officials and experts have warned Americans to stay home as much as possible and avoid doing anything that requires close contact with others. Many other businesses have voluntarily closed to protect their employees and the public as a whole. Perhaps the most visible closure has been the nearly universal shutdown of the professional sports industry. Those exposed to the virus are being advised to self-quarantine for at least 14 days presenting financial challenges for workers without paid sick leave. 

These unprecedented challenges are having economic ripple effects across the country as thousands of Americans unexpectedly find themselves out of work with the potential for significant increases in unemployment. States are taking action to address the employment concerns facing Americans and to protect those who are no longer able to work. Some immediate issues on the minds of policymakers include expanding paid leave for workers, preparing state unemployment insurance benefit programs for surges in demand and helping businesses transition to full-time teleworking.