From hotels to restaurants and bars to theaters more local workers are finding themselves out of a job.
Some of the biggest employers in town say they are being forced to layoff employees to try and save their businesses so workers have somewhere to return to after the coronavirus crisis is over.
Greg Reggio with the Taste Buds, owners of Zia's and Semolina, says they have laid off 75% of their staff.
"We've had to make some drastic cuts in order to survive," he explained.
Marv Ammari and his brothers Richey and Zeid own Creole Concepts. They have about 30 restaurants and daiquiri shops that include Broussards and Boulevard.
"This is a heartbreaking situation for us... it's overwhelming," he explained to WWL TV.
They have laid off about 1,300 employees.
The largest single owner of hotels in New Orleans, Joe Jaeger, told The Times Picayune / The New Orleans Advocate that he is in survival mode.
"All J Collection hotels are temporarily suspending operations until April 13, 2020," he posted to his website.
The J Collection has furloughed more than 500 workers.
These are just a few examples of what is happening at business after business in New Orleans, in Louisiana and across the country.
Parisian splits on Capitol Hill have prevented lawmakers from getting a relief bill through the House and Senate that is designed to send money Americans and help companies weather this pandemic storm.
Louisiana's unemployment insurance program has been overwhelmed with claims. The United Way of New Orleans was helping with grant money, but had more requests than they could fund.
Meanwhile, many grocery and big box stores are now hiring. Delivery services are looking for workers too. Pharmacies are hiring. Pizza places and convenient stores have announced help is wanted.
