Demographics, earnings, and family characteristics of workers in sectors initially affected by COVID-19 shutdowns

Abstract

In the initial weeks of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, employment in several industries was especially vulnerable because of shutdown policies imposed by states, as well as a drop in demand as people engaged in social distancing This article looks at the demographic characteristics of workers in the initially highly exposed industries, as well as the characteristics and earnings of families with workers in these industries The article also uses recent Current Population Survey data to look at how various demographic groups have fared in the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic between February end April