Early Months Of Pandemic Left 100,000 In Region Unemployed

North Carolina A&T University researchers have been studying the impact of the pandemic on Triad job losses and unemployment, with preliminary findings showing the outbreak has hit certain segments harder than others.

The just-released data tracked 12 Triad-area counties from March through July.

Before the arrival of the coronavirus, the economy was humming along with an unemployment rate of just under 4 percent.

Researchers found that within a few months, the figure would jump about 10 points, with more than 100,000 people in the region unemployed.

Women and minorities were among the hardest hit. The study, led by Cephas Naanwaab, an associate professor of economics, found that the outbreak took a toll on local leisure and hospitality jobs, as well as the trade and transportation sectors.

Researchers say additional data from August and September will be released when it becomes available. 

The target completion date for the Economic Impact of COVID-19 in the Piedmont Triad Region study, which is funded by $48,000 in funding from the N.C. Policy Collaboratory is Dec. 30.