Coronavirus causes businesses to close and workers to lose their jobs

(MARCH 26, 2020) Oregon wants to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Governor Kate Brown ordered many schools and businesses to close. She ordered people to stay at home except for essential things. For example, people can still go to the grocery store or the doctor. They can still walk outside for exercise, but they must practice "social distancing".

Many people lost their jobs. They worked for places like stores, restaurants, bars, hotels, theaters, and event spaces. In fact, 76,500 Oregonians filed unemployment claims since March 15. The usual number for this time of year is only 4,900 claims. "To file an unemployment claim" means to ask the state for money because you lost your job.

The situation is similar in other parts of the country. Nearly 3.3 million Americans last week sought financial help because of unemployment. That is four times the usual number.

As of March 26, 7,269 people in Oregon have been tested. 316 of them have tested positive. 11 people in Oregon have died from COVID-19.