COVID-19 Crisis and the Informal Economy: Street Vendors in New York City, USA

Abstract

COVID-19 Crisis and the Informal Economy is a WIEGO-led 12-city longitudinal study that assesses the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on specific groups of informal workers and their households. Using a survey questionnaire and in-depth interviews, Round 1 assessed the impact of the crisis in April 2020 (the period of peak restrictions) and in June 2020 (when restrictions had been eased) in comparison to February 2020 (pre-COVID-19). Round 2 will assess continuing impacts versus signs of recovery in the first half of 2021, compared to the pre-COVID-19 period and Round 1. Researchers in New York surveyed and interviewed street vendors and canners who are members of Street Vendor Project (SVP) and Sure We Can.