Little sick leave and Trump health policies may worsen coronavirus outbreak in US

Public health officials say if you think you might have the coronavirus, then stay home. But that can mean a loss of income, which many people likely can’t afford.

The Trump administration has spent three years shrinking public health programs and access to affordable health care.

About a quarter of American workers don’t have the right to sick leave, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And more than half of workers in service industries -- where they’re most likely to be in contact with the public -- have no sick leave.

Business columnist Michael Hiltzik argues that America’s working culture and healthcare system will only worsen the coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak.