I've been reading concerns on social media about lots of people at the local Home Depot, Lowe's and Walmart. These are hybrid stores selling essentials, but they sell lots of non-essentials too. The concerns are about people buying plants and paint and such, certainly violating the intention of social distancing and only shopping for necessities.
I know some broke people for whom a $1200 check is going to feel like the best thing that has happened to them in years.
It occurs to me that we are going to see a real shopping spike once cash-starved people get this stimulus money. It will be an especially good time to stay home!
It also occurs to me that it's going to be a bit challenging to spend this money in a manner that will stimulate the economy, especially the local economy, while exercising prudent pandemic precautions.