The Daily Money 3-19

Hello Daily Money readers. We hope you're staying safe and healthy. It's David here, with today's essential business and investment news.

Open for business: The nation's biggest retailers have temporarily closed thousands of stores to help stem the spread of COVID-19. Here's why some are staying open.

Cut me a check, please! The Treasury Department has unveiled to lawmakers a plan for direct payments to Americans starting April 6. A lot of the details are still up in the air, but many people could receive two payments of $1,000 under the plan.  

Bank branches close: J.P. Morgan Chase bank is "temporarily" closing 20% of its locations, effective Thursday, amid growing coronavirus concerns. Chase says drive-up windows will remain open. 

For more money news, keep scrolling down. 

David Brinkerhoff, Deputy Money Editor