During this scary and confusing time, the American government has a big role in protecting their citizens. Not only just protecting, they have to make sure Americans feel safe.
Steps America is taking
Since COVID-19 hit, the American government has tried very hard to make sure Americans are informed and safe. One of the most important pieces of information is that they are recommending that everyone stays inside. This is such a huge importance because staying inside can help stop spreading COVID-19. In New Jersey specifically, they are making everyone who walks into an essential store, wear a protective mask. This is to help keep germs to onself and make sure it doesn’t spread to the next person. As of April 16th, New Jersey Governor, Phil Murphy, has released that all New Jersey schools will be closed until May 15th. These steps are to help protect not only our students, but everyone else living in New Jersey.
Another huge thing the government is doing right now is giving out stimulus checks to Americans who have been unemployed since the closure of nonessential businesses. These stimulus checks consist of $1200, give or take. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), “For most taxpayers, payments are automatic, and no further action is needed. This includes taxpayers who filed tax returns in 2018 and 2019 and most seniors and retirees.” These checks are helping many Americans since they now don’t have a job to help them pay their bills. A lot of states have also postponed many bill deadlines, especially the deadline to file your taxes. With these steps, it will help Americans who don’t have the money to pay their bills, due to COVID-19.
Effects on America after COVID-19 passes
These efforts that the American government is doing to protect their citizens is helping many people. However, most people are not thinking about the major economic effects that are happening, right now and after COVID-19 passes. According to CNN, 22 million Americans have filed for unemployment. Having this many Americans filing for unemployment will cause a major impact on the economic standpoint of America. With both unemployment and stimulus checks, America is giving out a huge amount of money to citizens who cannot work right now.
Besides this economic downfall that America will be facing sooner or later, there are many other effects that will happen after COVID-19 passes. America will, most likely, never be the same. Americans will never be the same as they were before Corona hit, even if the stay-at-home order gets lifted. All Americans will be very cautious when they go out around people. It will be very impossible to forget this time in the world, and how scary it was to live during it. Never knowing when this will end, or when we will be allowed to go outside again. Most Americans will focus on their health and wellbeing after this passes, not wanting to repeat the past. To help flatten the curve, make sure to stay home and stay safe!
