The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on workers in California, with two main groups being affected: essential workers and unemployed workers. Essential workers are at risk of greater exposure to the virus, higher rates of illness and death, and increased stress and anxiety. Unemployed workers are at risk of loss of income, healthcare, and housing, as well as economic instability and increased stress and anxiety. The unemployment rate in California increased from 5.5% in February to 16.4% in May, but has since fallen to 11.0% as of September. Nearly 44% of California workers have filed for unemployment insurance since March 15. The distribution of unemployment claims across industries shows that accommodation and food services, retail trade, and healthcare and social assistance have the highest number of claims.
