On this Tuesday, March 24, episode of Sundial:
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We hear from laid-off hospitality workers
Much of South Florida is at a standstill. Stores, malls and parks have shut down and those who work in hospitality are being hit hard.
Unemployment applications in the state of Florida are on the rise. About 90 percent of South Florida hospitality workers are out of jobs and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) said on Monday it has been flooded with calls, more than 70,000 this week alone.
WLRN’s Jenny Staletovich has heard from a couple workers who’ve been laid off and joined Sundial to share their stories.
Read more: "It's Not Like I Can Go Apply For A Job Somewhere Else." South Florida Hospitality Workers Hit Hard
Jackson Health System’s response to COVID-19
Healthcare workers are on the frontlines of this coronavirus pandemic.
Herine Baron, an emergency roomnurse at Jackson North Medical Center in Miami-Dade County, says she tested positive with COVID-19. She is documenting her experience in a series of Youtube videos.
“I feel like, you know, at my job I wasn't protected the way I was supposed to,” she says on the video.
June Ellis, an Associate Chief Nursing Officer for Jackson Memorial Hospital joined Sundial to talk about hospital preparations and what they’re doing to protect healthcare workers.
Read more: Jackson Hospital ER Nurse Tests Positive For COVID-19, Video Blogs Her Experience
Grocery store protocols during coronavirus pandemic
The Sun Sentinel reported earlier this week, a worker at a popular Whole Foods store in Fort Lauderdale tested positive for COVID-19. Those who are stocking the shelves and bagging our groceries at supermarkets are essential workers during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Checking out was the hardest part. It's very difficult to maintain six feet distance from a bagger and a checker,” says shopper Hillary K. from Miami Beach.
Supermarkets remain open as people need food and supplies, but what are stores telling their workers about social distancing and protecting themselves while working? Sun Sentinel reporter Mario Ariza joined Sundial to talk about grocery store policies.
And WLRN wants to hear from you: Are you a grocery store worker? Do you feel safe at your job? Please email producer Leslie Ovalle at lovalle@wlrnnews.org
WLRN producer Chris Remington helped with the production of this episode.