(10 Apr 2020) Nearly 150,000 Virginians filed unemployment claims in the last week, marking the third straight week of record-setting claims in reaction to the coronavirus outbreak.
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said the federal unemployment assistance program established by the stimulus bill will go into effect next week.
"This is an additional $600 a week, which should be a great help to folks trying to figure out how to pay the rent or buy food," Northam said at a Friday news conference. "This program allows us to provide unemployment assistance to people who didn't previously qualify, such as gig workers, temporary workers and self-employed people."
The U.S. Department of Labor said Thursday that 149,758 claims were filed in the state in the week ending April 4.
That's about a one-third increase over the previous week, which was itself record-setting.
Before the coronavirus forced so many businesses into stasis, weekly jobless claims in Virginia averaged around 2,600.
Virginia's jobless claims continued to accelerate even as the national number of 6.6. million claims essentially leveled off from the previous week.
Northam also announced he's proposed amendment to the state budget that would give the Department of Corrections authority to release offenders who have one year or less left in their sentences.
He also promised more resources for nursing homes in Virginia that have seen COVID-19 cases.
Through it all, he urged Virginians to keep staying home.
"Now, I've had some folks call me and say, 'Ralph, we see that the curves are flattening. Isn't it time to ease the restrictions?' And that is absolutely the wrong thing to do right now," Northam said.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.
For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

Find out more about AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
Twitter: [ Ссылка ]
Facebook: [ Ссылка ] ​​
Instagram: [ Ссылка ]


You can license this story through AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]

свернуть