Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Millions of US Workers Losing Jobs as Coronavirus Spreads

Ken Bredemeier

   WASHINGTON - Millions of U.S. workers are losing their jobs in a surge
   of layoffs as businesses large and small shut their operations amid the
   coronavirus pandemic.

   A week ago, nearly 3.3 million workers filed for unemployment benefits.
   The figure is expected to rise rapidly in the coming weeks, with 40
   million people predicted to be unemployed by mid-April.

   Before the pandemic struck the United States, 5.8 million U.S. workers
   were unemployed -- 3.5% of the workforce of 164.6 million. That figure
   had changed little in the past six months and was a linchpin of a
   robust economy.

.