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Weekly unemployment claims rose again last week as COVID-19 pandemic worsens

Weekly unemployment claims rose again last week as COVID-19 pandemic worsens
Posted at 6:47 AM, Nov 25, 2020
and last updated 2020-11-25 09:03:05-05

WASHINGTON — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose last week to 778,000, evidence that the U.S. economy and job market remain under strain as coronavirus cases surge and colder weather heighten the risks.

The Labor Department’s report Thursday said jobless claims climbed from 748,000 the week before.

Before the virus struck hard in mid-March, weekly claims typically amounted to roughly 225,000.

They shot up to 6.9 million during one week in March before dropping yet remain historically high more than eight months later, with many businesses unable to fully reopen.