By Sarah Chaney and Eric Morath

A record 6.6 million workers applied for unemployment benefits last week, marking a sharp downturn in the labor market caused by the new coronavirus.

The large number of claims comes after 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.

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 02, 2020 08:53 ET (12:53 GMT)