UPDATE: Unemployment Filings In The US Hit 6.6 Million Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
Just last week, we reported that the number of people who filed claims for unemployment insurance in the US surged to 3.3 million as the pandemic spurred layoffs across the country. According to the latest updates, it appears that the number has doubled!
RELATED: US Unemployment Claims Soar To Nearly 3.3 Million Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
Today’s data from the US Department of Labor shows that the unemployment rate in the US climbed to a new record high on Thursday, reporting 6.6 million people filed unemployment claims just last week alone. The latest figures far surpass the previous week’s record of 3.3 million.
As we previously noted, due to the efforts to curb the COVID-19 pandemic by implementing strict social distancing rules; shuttering businesses and restaurants, it has led to mass layoffs across the country, which prompted the unprecedented spike in US unemployment.
The official Twitter account for the US Department of Labor tweeted the exact numbers,
“Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims
Initial claims were 6,648,000 for the week ending 3/28 (+3,341,000).
Insured unemployment was 3,029,000 for the week ending 3/21 (+1,245,000).”
Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims
Initial claims were 6,648,000 for the week ending 3/28 (+3,341,000).
Insured unemployment was 3,029,000 for the week ending 3/21 (+1,245,000).https://t.co/ys7Eg5LKAW
— U.S. Department of Labor (@USDOL) April 2, 2020
Experts say those numbers are expected to go up. Meanwhile, President Trump has extended social distancing guidelines to the end of April.