It's complete bull shit. Anyone of these people can go file for unemployment as a temporary lay off just like the rest of America. They can also pull from their PTO hours. Most are just taking the time off.
orFinancial hardship in-service withdrawals are allowed, although they come with restrictions such as a six-month suspension of further investments. If the furlough is for fewer than 31 days, a loan may be taken out, although a loan must be repaid on schedule or else a taxable distribution will be declared, with possible penalties in addition.