The U.S. Census Bureau has released its take on the economic and psychological impacts of COVID-19, based upon responses collected July 9 through 14. It seems both realistic and depressing. Let’s hope Washington can figure out a relief package to help a crisis that is no fault of the individuals being so economically and mentally impacted.

Half the Households Touched in the Pocketbook

Among the findings were that 50.1 percent of American adults live in households that have experienced in a loss of employment income. Another 35.1 percent expect to experience a loss in wages.

Worries About Food, Medical Care

Some 10.8 percent of Americans said there was either sometimes or often not enough to eat within the previous seven days. And 40.6 percent of adults said they had delayed getting medical care in the past four weeks.

Survey respondents on average reported spending $212.79 per week on average to buy food at supermarkets, grocery stores, online, and other places to be prepared and eaten at home

Signs of Depression

Some 25.3 percent of those surveyed reported having little interest or pleasure in doing things more than half the days or nearly ever day of the previous week. And 23.3 percent said they felt down more than half the days or nearly every day of the previous week. Some 33.8 percent reported feelings of anxiety or nervousness more than half the days or every day of the last week.

Rents and Mortgages

The survey found that 26.4 percent of adults either missed last month’s rent or mortgage payment or had slight or no confidence they could make the next payment on time.

COVID’s Broad Impact

People who suggest life won’t return to normal any time soon, if ever, are spot on. Let’s hope Congress, the Senate and the White House can develop packages that will help where possible. The survey makes it clear that you don’t have to be ill with the virus to feel its impact. While we all knew this, the numbers drive the impacts home.