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A record 6.6 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week, marking a drastic downturn in the U.S. labor market caused by the new coronavirus.
The large number of claims was double the 3.3 million sought benefits two weeks ago as the U.S. shut down parts of the economy in an effort to contain the virus. Jobless claims, a proxy for layoffs, provide temporary financial assistance for workers who lose their jobs...