Coronavirus pandemic causes coin shortage

Coronavirus pandemic causes coin shortage

During the lockdown.

Across the country - the u-s is dealing with a coin shortage because of coronavirus!

The u-s mint says on top of decreased production - fewer people are depositing change at banks.

Today - we learned more how it's impacting north alabama.

Waay 31' sydney martin talked with a local credit union about what the shortage means..

And how long it could last.

Atricia lloyd, redstone federal credit union,"there are so many things that have come about as a result of this pandemic, things that people didn't expect."

Patricia lloyd with redstone federal credit union told me the coin shortage is one of the latest impacts of coronavirus..

Patricia lloyd, redstone federal credit union,"this was put into effect because once the country was sort of on quarantine because of the coronavirus people were not out shopping, moving those coins in the economy, so after awhile the numbers start dwindling."

Lloyd told me the shortage forced branches to look at how they manage their change.

Patricia lloyd, redstone federal credit union, "previously we could get what ever we needed, but now we can get only a certain amount for each of our 26 branches."

She said right now each branch recieves 50 dollars in pennies, 200 dollar in nickels and 1000 dollars each of dimes and quarters from the federal reserve each week.

And local businesses are starting to feel the impact as well.

Patricia lloyd, redstone federal credit union,"now when you are at some businesses locally, you're going to see signs that say we have no coins or we can't provide the change and you'll have to look at other ways to handle that."

And she said hopefully in a few weeks the shortage will be over..

Patricia lloyd, redstone federal credit union, "the feds say they hope once businesses get moving again and people get out and using those coins again, that will take care of the shortage."

Syd, "lloyd told me so far they haven't had any issues getting their customers change, but that could change if the shortage doesn't end soon.

In huntsville sm waay 31 news."

You may have noticed the coin shortage while out shopping.

Kroger is one of the many stores in huntsville dealing with the shortage.

A spokesperson with the grocery chain says customers will get change if they pay with cash in self-check out lines.

But those in a lane with a cashier will either have the coin change added to their loyalty card - or can round up to the nearest dollar