In Nixa, jobs are lost, families are struggling to pay for resources and the stock market has drastically lost its value. The changes are due to the economic and employment struggle in the US, which has been worsened by the coronavirus pandemic.

   One of the largest factors of the downfall of the economy is due to the stay-at-home orders. 

   “The shut down of non-essential businesses means that many Americans have been furloughed,” American government teacher Clinton Longwell said. “Millions of people throughout the country have lost their ability to earn an income in a matter of days.”

   On March 28, the jobless claims in America rose from 3.3 million to 6.6 million in a matter of a week. This meant that it rose from 3.5 percent to 4.4 percent, which is a substantial increase.

   Locally, businesses have been struggling due to the lack of customers and employees showing up. Chris Russell, the president/CEO of the Nixa Chamber of Commerce, said coronavirus has drastically affected the city.

   “When you have 16.7 million people on unemployment, the first thing that is cut in budgets is disposable money, such as going out to eat. People are also more likely to shop online than going to boutiques.” Russell said. “Due to that, less money is turned in our economy.”

   Penmac, an employment agency, is trying to find people to hire their clients. The available jobs are mostly  in construction or automotive, which most people are not qualified for. Essential businesses, however, are another story.

  “We’ve definitely seen layoffs but in other places, they’re thriving,” Russell said. “Essential businesses, such as grocery stores, have been able to manage their staff.”

   The federal government has responded to the economic situation.

   “Congress has passed three pieces of legislation dealing with COVID-19 and is preparing another round of legislation to address small businesses,” Longwell said. “The Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, the CDC and numerous other federal agencies have been deployed to address the current crisis.”

   The resulting factors of the coronavirus may continue for years to come.

   “Many other sectors of our economy, our way of living, and our interactions with others will be changed,” Longwell said. “Since this is an ongoing pandemic, we don’t know how, but there will be changes for sure.”

   As for Nixa, Russell is expecting the city to make a quick turn around.

   “Our region, when we saw the economic downturn in 2008, was quick to rebound since we’re diverse in what we have to offer,” Russell said. “We don’t have one thing that is our economic driver, and we aren’t reliant on one thing. We should bounce back faster than other places around the nation.”

   This time may be full of uncertainties, but a sense of community can make it easier.

   “I’m proud of our community for staying #NixaStrong and pushing through,” Russell said. “I recommend local shopping, ordering curbside and shopping at boutiques. Ordering from local places will get Nixa back into place.”