Coronavirus in the United States: the economy slows down, unemployment explodes

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In the United States, activity is slowing down across the country, as the majority of states have forced the closure of non-essential businesses. During the third week of March, 3.3 million people registered as unemployed. A record figure. And the situation continues to deteriorate.

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Several large companies announced Monday, March 30, that they must separate from their employees. According to forecasts, up to two million more people could claim unemployment benefits this week.

The unemployment insurance system is overwhelmed and fails to process claims. We will also have to wait three to four weeks before we can collect the check for $ 1,200 in aid promised by the federal government . But the bills continue to fall. The Americans have to pay their rent on Thursday April 2 and for the majority it is the most important item of expenditure, recalls our correspondent in Washington, Anne Corpet .

Anti-eviction orders

To prevent too many people from ending up on the streets, several cities, including New York and Los Angeles, have issued anti-eviction orders. The Americans are already tightening their belts. Food banks saw their influx increase by 40% during the month of March, according to the association Feeding America.

Aid organizations lack volunteers and there is less food donation since many came from the surpluses of the now closed restaurants. As a result, the queues lengthen in front of the distribution centers and not everyone can be served. Before the pandemic, 5.6 million Americans were food insecure. A figure that risks exploding.

Concerning situation in New York

The situation is particularly worrying in New York. “ Before there were 1.2 million people in New York who needed food aid. Right now it's three times more, it's more than three million New Yorkers, ”explains Eric Ripert, vice-president of the board of directors of City Harvest and owner of the famous restaurant Le Bernardin, which is also closed.

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The charity, which in addition to its markets provides food for some 400 centers for the homeless, has for the moment no problem of supplies, he assures. But she is looking for funds to buy more food, and is joining forces with other associations to " stand together in the face of a worsening situation ". " We have known September 11, the great recession of 2008-2009, we have known a lot, but it is not at all comparable to this catastrophe that we are experiencing ", worries Eric Ripert.

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• United States
• Health and Medicine
• Coronavirus
• Economy

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