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KUNC is here to keep you up-to-date on the news about COVID-19 — the disease caused by the novel coronavirus — Colorado's response to its spread in our state and its impact on Coloradans.

Coronavirus: All Work And No Play

Customers wait in line to buy water and other supplies, on fears that the coronavirus, COVID-19, will spread and force people to stay indoors, at a Costco in Burbank, California.
Customers wait in line to buy water and other supplies, on fears that the coronavirus, COVID-19, will spread and force people to stay indoors, at a Costco in Burbank, California.

The outbreak of coronavirus has left the world reeling as it struggles to contain and prevent further infections that have killed 4,082 worldwide as of Tuesday. It has disrupted entire industries, the stock market and even social norms like handshakes and hugs. As it continues to spread around 103 countries, many have been encouraged to stay at home and self-quarantine. But how will work get done?

Working from home is an easy transition for some, but for others like restaurant and retail workers whose job and pay depends on showing up, it’s simply not an option. And what about small business owners who depend on foot traffic and customers that might be inclined to stay at home?

Writing for the Urban Institute with her colleagues, labor economist Pamela J. Loprest explains how businesses may be forced to fire workers who call out.

Coronavirus’s economic effects go far beyond the risk of infection, especially if the outbreak is far reaching or long term. A large-scale economic effect on businesses could lead to high worker absenteeism rates and revenue losses. Some businesses may have to lay off workers, and they may face the risk of some workers going to work when they are ill.

How has coronavirus affected the workplace? What can employees do to stay healthy and keep their job?

Copyright 2020 WAMU 88.5. To see more, visit WAMU 88.5.

Haili Blassingame
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