Understanding the impact of COVID-19 intervention policies on the hospitality labor market #MMPMID32904433
Huang A; Makridis C; Baker M; Medeiros M; Guo Z
Int J Hosp Manag 2020[Oct]; 91 (?): 102660 PMID32904433show ga
Using new high-frequency data that covers a representative sample of small businesses in the United States, this study investigates the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting state policies on the hospitality industry. First, business closure policies are associated with a 20-30% reduction of non-salaried workers in the food/drink and leisure/entertainment sectors during March-April of 2020. Second, business reopening policies play a statistically significant role in slowly reviving the labor market. Third, considerable differences exist in the impact of policies on the labor market by state. Fourth, the rise of new COVID-19 cases on a daily basis is associated with the continued deterioration of the labor market. Lastly, managerial, practical, and economic implications are described.