The Long Shadow of COVID: The Impact of the COVID-19 & Long Covid on Oregon Workers

Abstract

The economic impacts of the pandemic were swift and deep.

Economic effects have been felt unequally across the economy, with many sectors thriving during the pandemic while others—particularly leisure and hospitality—experiencing widespread job losses.

In 2019, Oregon had 1,954,200 jobs – a record high for the state. Most sectors of the economy were also experiencing record levels of employment. Within weeks of Governor Brown’s emergency declarations, Oregon lost 285,000 jobs. Forty-seven percent of jobs lost were in the Leisure and Hospitality sector.

The state has since recovered most of those jobs, but our survey results suggest continued economic impacts. Twenty-eight percent of Oregonians reported a change in employment status during the pandemic. Moreover, 14 percent of Oregonians report working more than one job, and nearly half work less than 40 hours per week.

Keywords: COVID-19, coronavirus, economic impact of pandemic, job loss, long COVID, childcare

JEL Classification: I15, I16