COVID-19 ECONOMIC IMPACT

According to researchers and scientists the United States economy could take until 2023 to recover from the impact of the coronavirus crisis, as indicated by McKinsey and Company Consultants.

If public health response is strong and successful by controlling the spread of the virus within two to three months, the outlook could be much more positive.

Only WE (ALL citizens) can make this projection become a reality by doing what we have been asked to do since March 2020. Those things have not changed: Hygiene, by constantly washing hands and surfaces throughout the day; by maintaining social distancing when out in a NECESSARY crowd or group and staying approximately six feet apart or as much distance as feasibly possible: by wearing a MASK and making sure that the mask covers the nose and mouth looping down beneath the chin.

Economically, the industries hardest hit by COVID-19, are suffering the most, such as workforce which employs millions of people, social agencies which supply essentials to the underserved populations, small businesses which cannot survive if they follow closing mandates and independent workers who rely on organizations and business for their living.

Business leaders must prepare for the effects on production, transport and logistics, and customer demand. The impact reflects a differential crisis among various racial and ethnic groups, inequities in social groups, income, wealth, and access to health care, housing and other aspects of life.

Never before have we seen or heard of working middle class families being in line at food banks because they desperately need food for their families. Personal banking accounts have dwindled, both checking and savings as well as certificates of deposits.

People are behind on rent and landlords are suffering because they need the money to survive and meet their personal needs. People are forced to work fewer hours and make less income. Layoffs and shutdowns are at an all- time high.

More than anything Senate and the House of Representatives of the federal government are at odds and cannot come to any agreement to offer relief to citizens.

Without doubt, COVID-19 has made an unforgettable impact on everyone. The least everyone can do is to follow the CDC suggestions and stay safe.