As COVID-19 rapidly progresses from outbreak to pandemic, there appears to be no end to the number of systems, institutions, and services affected, including schools, child care centers, workplaces, and safety net programs. Even the 2020 Census is not immune to the impact of COVID-19.
Urban Institute researchers are closely following these developments and posing a key question: what can be done to improve the social policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic? Here’s what Urban researchers have learned so far.
The coronavirus pandemic could disrupt food assistance to the 37 million Americans who have struggled to afford food even during an improving economy, and those who may be newly struggling. Seven strategies inform immediate actions at national, state, and local levels.
Many people experiencing homelessness fall into the high-risk categories identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Key resources are available to help communities and programs strengthen the response of homelessness assistance efforts in the midst of the pandemic.
Children are at a lower risk of COVID-19 infection when compared with older adults. Yet caregivers of young children, especially those with underlying health conditions and older adults, are at risk.
Funded by Policies for Action, the largest study of the labor market effects of sick pay mandates in the United States shows that newly covered employees take two additional sick days per year, fewer employees work when sick, and the employer cost is very small.
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