The news from the Department of Labor (DOL), was no better yesterday than it was the past two weeks as another 6.6 million Americans filed first time claims for unemployment insurance in the face of the ongoing coronavirus crisis. Last week’s total of 6,648,000 claims was adjusted upwards during the week by an increase of 219,000 for a final total of 687,000 for the week ending April 2. According to the DOL, there was no evidence that the expanded benefits provided in the CARES Act have yet triggered an increase in newly filed claims, but the prospect of the additional $600 in weekly benefits is still expected to have a major impact on unemployment claims going forward. We will keep you apprised as much as possible on any future changes or refinements that may take place.