NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Many businesses are taking a financial hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the music industry, but with the stimulus plan passed by the Senate overnight, relief is one step closer.
Music industry leaders say this has been a tough time with concerts and all sorts of gigs being canceled. Many of those industry leaders have worked with lawmakers to make sure these musicians don’t have to be starving artists again.
To put more in perspective, studies show the U.S. represents a third of the entire industry globally. Under the historic $2 trillion relief package, many people in the business making under $100,000 can apply for a relief grant or loan.
The plan is aimed to help small businesses, contractors and unemployed workers – many of whom are associated with the music industry.
Organizations like the Nashville Songwriters Association International say this will help put money in many people’s pockets and possibly save careers while live events aren’t happening.
There’s also a possibility, if an industry worker can’t pay off the loan at the end of the year, they won’t have to pay it back. The plan goes to the House on Friday.
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See all our coronavirus coverage here
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What is COVID-19 (a.k.a. the new coronavirus?)
According to the World Health Organization, coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Examples include the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV)and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. COVID-19 stands for "Coronavirus disease 2019," which is when this strain of the coronavirus was discovered.
What are the symptoms?
The CDC says patients confirmed to have the 2019-nCoV reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Or at least two of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
At this time, the CDC believes symptoms could appear as soon as two days after exposure, or as long as 14 days.
Prevention
The CDC is recommending "common sense" measures such as:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
