New Jersey Extends Unemployment Benefits Another 20 Weeks Amid Coronavirus

Roommates, things may seem like they’re going back to normal, but many states are still struggling to support citizens and businesses financially following the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. As reports are citing a spike in cases, the unemployment rate in many states is still rising as well.

According to CBS Philly, the state Labor Department has just announced that New Jersey, among a few other states, is extending its coronavirus unemployment benefits by 20 weeks. The state’s unemployment rate has reportedly reached record levels, with nearly 1.3 million workers needing benefits.

The 20-week extension of benefits comes during a “high unemployment period,” as well as a jump in reported COVID-19 cases. The unemployment rate is considered high when it reaches 8%, and the state is currently experiencing an unemployment rate of 15.2%.

Gov. Phil Murphy reported there were about 400 more positive coronavirus cases, bringing the state total to 172,000. There were also an additional 45 deaths reported overnight, putting the confirmed deaths from the virus at 13,224.

As we previously reported many states are reporting rises in COVID-19 cases, and are retracting some of the orders of reopening businesses. California is one of the states pulling back from many activities that were previously opened.

In a series of tweets, Gov. Gavin Newsom outlines the “sectors” that will be closed.

#COVID19 continues to spread at an alarming rate.

Effective immediately, 19 counties must close indoors operations for the following sectors:

– Restaurants
– Wineries
– Movie theaters & family entertainment
– Zoos, museums
– Cardrooms

Bars must close ALL operations.

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) July 1, 2020

This applies to the following counties:

– Contra Costa
– Fresno
– Glenn
– Imperial
– Kern
– Kings
– LA
– Merced
– Orange
– Riverside
– Sacramento
– San Bernardino
– San Joaquin
– Santa Barbara
– Santa Clara
– Solano
– Stanislaus
– Tulare
– Ventura

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) July 1, 2020

How do y’all feel about unemployment being extended due to spikes in coronavirus cases, Roomies? Let us know in the comments!

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