New York protesters call for virus benefit extension

Protesters rallied in to New York City's Times Square Wednesday to demand an extension to unemployment benefits and healthcare for all.

They say the weekly $600 jobless benefit provided by the federal government, which lapsed last week, is not enough.

Congressional negotiators are locked in talks in Washington on an extension to the COVID-19 response bill.

The protesters are asking government for a permanent solution to help those who have lost their jobs permanently.

"Please, don't insult me by telling me people – the economy is coming back. People are not traveling. People are not traveling. People are not staying in hotels. People are not eating in restaurants. There are no jobs," said one protester who works in the travel industry.

Stark evidence of the damage the resurgent viral outbreak has caused the U.S. economy could come Friday when the government is expected to report that the pace of hiring has slowed significantly after a brief rebound in the spring.

As the coronavirus continues to transform a vast swath of the economy, it's becoming evident that millions of Americans face the prospect of a permanent job loss that will force some to seek work with new industries or in new occupations.

If so, that would lead to a slower recovery in the job market than if restaurants, hotels, bars and retail shops were able to fully reopen and recall all their laid-off employees. Few expect that to happen.

The pandemic has lasted far longer than most Americans expected, with likely profound consequences for the economy.