Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons
Over 55,000 Michigan residents have filed for unemployment between March 16 and March 18, due to layoffs resulting from COVID-19, according to the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), as reported by The Center Square. Erica Quealy, an LEO spokesperson, mentioned that this is an increase of 1,500% in residents who are filing, according to The Center Square.
As of March 16, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer made the announcement that there would be no in-person dining at any restaurants or bars and that small businesses would be closing to curb the spread of COVID-19. Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association CEO Justin Winslow said that over the next weeks, the food industry will be "decimated," with over 600,000 people out of work, he told The Center Square. However, there have been steps taken by the state to offset the blow that these industries will be forced to take.
Whitmer has signed extensions for unemployment for those currently receiving and applying. This extension will take the state's usual 20 weeks of unemployment benefits and extend it to 26 weeks.
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