Coronavirus outbreak crippling economy, leaving workers devastated

For some Valley workers, unemployment due to coronavirus pandemic already a reality

Workers hope they won't have to file for unemployment for too long. FOX 10's Steve Nielsen reports.

PHOENIX - As the deadly coronavirus outbreak continues in the United States, businesses are closing their doors, and many people are faced with unemployment.

With the pandemic closing various venues, many people likely have lost their jobs, as businesses are having to reassess everything in this new era dominated by COVID-19.

"It’s scary," said personal trainer Hector Quiroz. "It’s scary times. It’s challenging me and stretching me in so many ways."

Quiroz still has clients at Tangible Fitness, but many are switching online as people try to practice social distancing. Quiroz says if the gym closes, it might be tough to keep training.

"Unemployment, yes. There might be a time it’s crossed my mind. What if I'm not bringing in enough income? What if Plan A, Plan B, Plan C doesn’t work?" said Quiroz.

Others, however, are out of plans, as some Valley businesses have signs on the door, saying they are closed for weeks, or for the "foreseeable future." Israel Florez says many of his friends in the A/V business have lost their jobs over the weekend.

"Massive layoffs everywhere, and then [on Monday], there goes my job as well," said Florez.

His wife is a server at a restaurant, and both are now filing for unemployment.

"It took three minutes on my phone," said Florez.

Another man interviewed by FOX 10's Steve Nielsen, who also did not want to be identified, said he lost his job at an aquarium earlier on Tuesday.

"The pressure is definitely on, yeah," said the man.

According to the Arizona Department of Economic Security, the maximum benefit is $240 per week.

"Not too much," said one person, who did not want to be identified. "Definitely a lot less than we were making weekly.

Unemployment benefits can be claimed for 26 weeks, but people say they hope it is not needed for that long.

For Florez, he says he has a job interview on Wednesday.

Additional Resources

Coronavirus: What you need to know

Here are the need to know details about this virus.

In order to protect yourself from a possible infection, the CDC recommends:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

LIVE MAP: This is where there are confirmed coronavirus cases in the US and around the world

FULL COVERAGE: fox10phoenix.com/coronavirus

Coronavirus (COVID-19) - How it spreads, symptoms, prevention, treatment, FAQ

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index-sp.html (Spanish Version/Versión en Español)

Arizona COVID-19 Response - Public resources, FAQ, webinars

https://www.azdhs.gov/coronavirus