Coronavirus still causing unemployment in North Alabama

Coronavirus still causing unemployment in North Alabama

Current economic crisis.

According to the payroll company a-d-p -- u-s businesses cut more than 20-million jobs in april.

So far -- more than 30-million americans filed for unemployement since march.

Just 2 weeks ago -- nearly 75- thousand people in alabama filed initial unemployment claims -- nearly 63-thousand of those were coronavirus-related.

Under the safer at home order - some people in alabama are able to go back to work.

Other are still waiting for their employer to reopen - and some are still waiting for unemployment benefits.

Waay 31's sophia borrelli spoke with two women - who are waiting anxiously to return to their jobs - hoping they can make it through this pandemic - financially.

I first spoke with nancy covington over zoom a few weeks ago.

She owns and is a barber at bullfeathers barber shop in madison.

She told me she hadn't received any money from unemployment - and today that hasn't changed.

Nancy covington/owne r and barber bullfeathers barber shop: "the last time we talked, i was still in the mindset of ok, this is all going to work out.

We're going to catch back up and we are going to open back up, and it's going to be prosperous."

Covington says she has received a letter saying she is eligible - but still hasn't received any money as of today.

Another salon owner i spoke with on zoom, sandee kranz, said she has been able to receive some money from unemployment - but her household is feeling the financial burden after going from two incomes to one.

Sandee kranz, owner and stylist of the sk salon, "it's been a nightmare because i've heard from everyone and of course i am coming from two sides of this because i am the owner and coming from a stylist behind the chair, so the salon pays me, but it's been a struggle, no doubt about it."

Both women - very emotional talking about the fact that they don't know when their salons will be back open - as the bills keep piling up.

They both told me they feel for their employees and their customers who are like family.

All waiting until that day they can open back up safely.

Sandee kranz, owner and stylist of the sk salon: "but there's still a long way to go."

In madison - sophia borrelli waay 31 news.

Thanks sophia.

Covington and kranz told us they both have reopening plans for when the safer at home order expires.

They told us it includes making sure they have personal protective equipment and sanitizing supplies to keep their employees and customers safe.