As of March 30, three-quarters of Americans were living under state or local stay-at-home mandates or advisories, and the economic fallout has been swift and dramatic. “Up to one-third of US jobs may be vulnerable—and more than 80% are held by low-income workers.” There is great uncertainty about the depth and duration of this downturn, which could follow a U-shape with a prolonged trough or a V-shape with a strong upward rebound. “The first phase of the battle to contain COVID-19 could leave 42 million to 54 million net jobs vulnerable to reductions in hours or pay, temporary furloughs, or permanent layoffs.”
Lives and Livelihoods: Assessing the Near-Term Impact of COVID-19 on US Workers
