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Coronavirus causing coin shortage across U.S.

PITTSBURGH — Coronavirus has impacted nearly every aspect of our everyday lives, including our money.

If you pay for something with cash, you may not get the exact change anymore. The Federal Reserve said a nationwide coin shortage is happening because of shut down orders. When so many places across the country closed down to slow the spread of COVID-19, it disrupted the flow of money and kept many customers at home.

“Here it is, COVID-19 doing it again. I know, it’s crazy,” said Faith Davis.

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“I can understand why people would be frustrated with the coin shortage cause in this time, ever little bit counts,” said Anthony Kane.

A sign posted at Sheetz in Ross Township urges people to pay with a card, use exact change or donate your change. An Altoona grocery store’s sign says flat out you cannot get cash back. Giant Eagle stores are working to make as much change as possible available to shoppers.

With businesses back up and running, the shortage is expected to improve. The U.S. mint is also ramping up efforts to produce more coins to send to banks.