OMAHA, Neb. (WNAX) – The Mid America economy has been stunned by the near shutdown of businesses following the spread of the coronavirus.

Creighton University professor Ernie Goss, who compiles the monthly business conditions report for the region, says the infection and the economy both need a vaccine.

Goss says a quick economic recovery depends on a medical breakthrough.

Goss says one immediate help would be if the Trump Administration drops tariffs.

The confidence index of business managers in the latest monthly report dropped to 14.5, the lowest ever recorded in the survey.

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