Katrina Burgoyne has been living in America on a entertainment visa for three years, gigging in Nashville and surrounding towns, but as the coronavirus continues to spread, her work is drying up.

"Kentucky shows make up 50 per cent of my monthly income. As of 5pm, Monday, March 16, the governor of Kentucky closed every bar and restaurant until further notice," Burgoyne said.

"I played my last show for St Patrick's Day and have had seven shows cancelled for the rest of this month, losing over $2,500. I'm crossing my fingers that in April things start to become normal again.

"Being on an O1 entertainment VISA, I can only make my income from playing music."

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Burgoyne is now turning to social media and YouTube to try and bring in some funds.

"Thank God, my boyfriend and I are camera geeks and have the ability to do multi-camera broadcasts. I feel like this raises the bar and has encouraged lots of shares, so in worst case it's building brand awareness," she said.

"I'm trying not to go live every night as I want to keep it fresh and exciting. We plan to go live two times a week.

"Our Wednesday night, live stream, brought in $200 ($150 of that was from a kind Australian mate) but some of my fans and supports have gone and purchased CDs and products off my website. The digital CDs really help as the cost isn't as high in production."

Burgoyne has been applying for financial aid from both Australian organisations and American organisations to fall back on.

"The USA says they will give Americans $1000 [but] I'm still waiting to find out if I'm eligible. The same goes for the Australia funding; I still have to pay taxes in Australia so I may be eligible, however, the Australian dollar has dropped to almost half of the USA dollar," she said.

Being out of work is a major blow for Burgoyne who has had a rough ride since making the move overseas to pursue a lifelong dream. The singer has had an ongoing battle with sinus infections, which has seen her gigs grind to a halt for months at a time.

"I feel like since moving to the USA three years ago, this year is the first year I've been able to put some extra money aside for savings. I decided not to go to Australia for a visit over Christmas as I had only just got back to $0 after my health issues and then to renew my visa," she said.

"After going through financial struggles here, I wanted to be sure I never have to live through that kind of financial stress again so I played it safe and put my money for the flights into rainy day savings.

"I've been stashing money away to pay for the marketing of my new record and to buy a new computer. I have a little that may last another month or more if I have no income. I don't want to use it but it's comforting to know I can lean on it if I need to.

"I'm using this time prepping the release of my new music and knuckling down and getting the record finished. We just have vocals to go."

Despite the uncertainty, Burgoyne said she is "actually really at peace".

"I know there are people out there who are in worse situations than me. My boyfriend is also out of work because of the virus but we have family here; I know if I can't pay rent I will always have a roof over my head," she said.

Burgoyne said there were more than 200 cases of coronavirus in Tennessee and someone tested positive in an office building opposite her apartment.

"I've had friends with flu symptoms and friends who are in quarantine after exposure. I heard a rumour that someone at my banks building tested positive and I've been in contact with people who may have been exposed. I actually thought I may have had it as my sinuses were so bad and I slept all day and night for 3 days last week from feeling unwell, but it cleared up," she said.

The atmosphere of the songwriting capital of the world has changed dramatically.

"I live right downtown and its ghostly. Broadway honky tonks have closed and most restaurants are doing take-away orders only ... it's like Nashville at Thanks Giving when no one is around and nothing is open." she said.

"A lot of people are out running and exercising, though ... some venues are still open but there are limited numbers with no more than 30 people.

"Basically, we have been asked to stay home as much as possible. For the last week we have have only left our 700 square-foot studio apartment to walk the dog [and get groceries].

"Supermarkets are open and super busy, I find that the most nerve-racking mostly because they are so crowded I feel like that's a good place to get the virus."

Burgoyne said "there isn't panic like I've seen in news from Australia".

"Everyone is in this together over here and sharing supplies," she said.

"The media is making out like it's the end of the world. Florida is full of spring-breakers on the beaches, apparently restaurants and venues are still open which I find frustrating. It's like if we go into full lock-down, let's all do it as it's just staggering unemployment and messing up the economy even more."