COVID-19 is forcing Yellowknifers to face new realities few imagined mere weeks ago.

Schools are closed, employees are working from home with their children in tow, and many non-essential workers have been laid off.

As Ottawa scrambles to ready economic aid packages for Canadians impacted by the widening nationwide shutdown, many anxious residents have been left waiting for relief.

SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 scary,SA国际影视传媒� said Dawnelle Rasmussen, a bartender and server laid off from her job last week.

SA国际影视传媒淧eople in the service industry mostly live on tips and a bit from our paycheck,SA国际影视传媒� she said.

Bars have shut down, and most restaurants are only offering takeout, based on recommendations from the territorySA国际影视传媒檚 chief medical officer.

ThatSA国际影视传媒檚 left scores of workers, like Rasmussen, without a job as they await aid.

The federal government says relief is coming. Last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a $82-billion aid package aimed at supporting Canadians and businesses affected by the pandemic.

The aid package, which includes emergency benefits for people who donSA国际影视传媒檛 qualify for employment insurance (EI) or those who donSA国际影视传媒檛 get paid sick leave, is meant to ensure Canadians have enough money to buy groceries and other essentials, while ensuring businesses' ability to pay employees. Emergency benefits would extend to the self-employed and those taking care of children at home who arenSA国际影视传媒檛 eligible for EI.

In an unprecedented surge, over half-a-million people applied for EI last week.

Federal relief, however, isnSA国际影视传媒檛 expected to kick in until next month or later, leaving Rasmussen and other residents worried.

SA国际影视传媒淚 won't have enough money from EI to even pay rent,SA国际影视传媒� said Rasmussen. SheSA国际影视传媒檚 been on the phone trying to get payments deferred to a later date but lines are bogged down.

SA国际影视传媒淪o many people are trying to do the same, and some phone lines just drop before it rings due to high volume,SA国际影视传媒� she said.

Julie-Ann Patricia Beauprie, whoSA国际影视传媒檚 due to give birth this summer, said sheSA国际影视传媒檚 experiencing similar issues caused by a spike in EI requests.

SA国际影视传媒淭hereSA国际影视传媒檚 so many people applying. It's hard for me to get on. ISA国际影视传媒檓 just freaking out as itSA国际影视传媒檚 been a week since ISA国际影视传媒檝e worked,SA国际影视传媒� Beauprie told SA国际影视传媒.

Samantha Janes, at home with her 10-month-old, is on maternity leave. SheSA国际影视传媒檚 trying to stretch out EI payments before more relief becomes available.

SA国际影视传媒淚 think everyone at this point is worried about how they're going to pay bills. Many are forced to stay home due to having children that can't go to school,SA国际影视传媒� said Janes.

SheSA国际影视传媒檚 tried to file an application under JordanSA国际影视传媒檚 Principle SA国际影视传媒� federal legislation meant to ensure the delivery of crucial services for First Nation children SA国际影视传媒� but phone lines have been tied up, said Janes.

Meanwhile, many people who rent in Yellowknife are wondering whether or not payments will be deferred SA国际影视传媒� a measure thatSA国际影视传媒檚 been implemented in some jurisdictions to relive the economic impacts brought on by COVID-19.

Northview Northview Apartment REIT had not answered several requests for comment from SA国际影视传媒 as of Tuesday afternoon.