OMAHA, Neb. (WNAX) – The Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index plunged to its lowest level ever this month as the impacts of the pandemic are being felt on Main Streets.

Professor Ernie Goss coordinates the survey.

The survey contacts mostly rural bankers in the ten state Mid America region.

Goss says it looks like a long dark tunnel ahead.

Goss says the recovery will only begin when the economy can restart.

Goss said about 90 percent of bankers expected a recession in their area.The six-month confidence index for the region fell to 27.4. It was at 50 in April of last year.