In the discussion of supporting companies vs individual workers....

[Happy Hoosier]

do not forget gig workers.

All the folks who are technically "independent contractors" are not saved by money being sent directly to companies to maintain payrolls. It also doesn't consider folks who worked 2nd and third jobs picking up a shift here or there. Most of the models I have seen only "guarantee" jobs and pay for employees working a regular number of hours (often 20-30 minimum). The guy making ends meet by working 10-15 hours is left out in the cold.

Do we need to make sure businesses don't go belly-up? Sure. But that's only a part of the picture.

[Ghost Dog]

1. There has to be an implementation of a Universal Basic Income.

It has to cover everyone: Those in the gig economy, on or off the books, those running down and out of their life savings, the unemployed and the homeless. The latter will need to registered and be ID-d somewhere.

Potentially viable businesses also must be supported to prepare for the future. A future difficult to discern in these early days...

[Happy Hoosier]

2. I agree. For the duration of the crisis.

Lots of people being affected, and too many corner cases to try and finesse it.

It's time to go BIG.