Macy's, Gap, Kohl's and Neiman Marcus are together furloughing more than a quarter of a million retail workers nationwide.

Workers' demands include hazard pay and safety items including hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and sprays.

Several more brands are offering equipment, supplies, clothing and food to beleaguered healthcare systems and its staff.

Legislation would send direct payments of $1,200 to Americans earning up to $75,000 and provide loans to distressed companies, including $50 billion to airlines.

The package will provide relief to individuals and small businesses along with corporations and localities impacted by COVID-19.

Companies beefing up their work force include Walmart, country's largest employer, which aims to hire 150,000 additional employees in stores and warehouses.

One Democratic view of the stimulus package: "It's a start, but it is not there -- it's not even half a loaf, it's a couple of slices."

"Companies that supply meat, vegetables and other staples are struggling to redirect the nation's sprawling food supply chain to meet a surge in demand."

Square Financial Services will provide loans and deposit products for its clients. It is expected to launch next year.

And we're including links to posts on the best ways to talk to colleagues and friends virtually.