COVID-19 continues its merciless advance across the United States, leaving no individual or industry unaffected. As of this writing, there are 1.2 million confirmed cases in the country and 68,279 deaths, according to the CDC. Additionally, Forbes reports that the U.S. service sector index fell from a March reading of 52.5 to 41.8 in April, marking the first time the services industry has been in a contraction since December 2009. In a new whitepaper, national insurance and financial services firm Alera Group has detailed the effects of COVID-19 on 10 of the hardest-hit sectors. Headed up by employee benefits practice leader Sally Prather, and property and casualty practice leader Mark Englert, the report analyzes the pandemic's impact on agriculture, construction, higher education, health care, hospitality and gaming, manufacturing, nonprofit organizations, the public sector, restaurants, and small businesses. Related: 10 worst cities for virus-related unemployment Each of these industries is grappling with its own specific set of struggles, but many of their challenges—absenteeism, remote and virtual working environments, workers' compensation, risk management, and business interruption—are shared ones. "One thing is certain: this is not business as usual. Economic uncertainty is forcing businesses to contemplate a post-COVID-19 world," says Mark Englert, Property and Casualty Practice Leader. Click through our slideshow above for highlights of the report, and click here to read the full paper. Read more: 

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