The Riverside Press-Enterprise
Jobless claims hit level not seen since October
California jobless claims rose to their highest level in three months as coronavirus-linked woes continue to hinder the state’s economy.
Workers filed about 67,500 first-time unemployment claims in the week ending Jan. 15, an increase of about 6,100 from 61,400 claims filed the week before, the U.S. Labor Department reported Thursday. The labor agency uses estimates from the state’s Employment Development Department.
The increase marked three consecutive weeks that initial unemployment claims have risen in California. The statewide jobless claims figures weren’t adjusted for seasonal volatility.
The last time claims in California were higher was the week ending Oct. 16, when workers filed 72,900 initial claims for benefits.
Nationwide, unemployment claims totaled 286,000 last week, an increase of 55,000 from the claims that were filed the week before in the United States. These nationwide numbers were adjusted for seasonal volatility.
U.S. begins offering free at-home COVID-19 tests
The Biden administration launched its website last week for Americans to request free at-home COVID-19 tests.
The website, Covidtests.gov, includes a link for Americans to order four athome tests per residential address, to be delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. It marks the latest step by President Joe Biden to address criticism of low inventory and long lines for testing during a nationwide surge in COVID-19 cases because of the omicron variant.
The website went online Tuesday, one day ahead of its official launch.
The White House said “tests will typically ship within 7- 12 days of ordering” through USPS, which reports shipping times of one-three days for its first-class package service in the continental U.S.
Officials emphasized that the federal website is just one way for people to procure COVID-19 tests, and shortages of athome test kits have shown signs of easing as more supply has hit the market.
Since Jan. 15, private insurance companies have been required to cover the cost of at-home rapid tests, allowing Americans to be reimbursed for tests they purchase at pharmacies and online retailers. That covers up to eight tests per month.
Amazon plans to open brick-and-mortar clothing store
While retail has seesawed from open to closed amid the pandemic, Amazon was plotting another first: a brick-and-mortar clothing store.
The online retailing giant said Thursday that it plans to open a clothing store in a Southern California mall later this year. It’s the latest foray into brick-andmortar business for Amazon, which already sells more than 10% of all clothes in the United States.
The store, which will sell women’s and men’s clothing as well as shoes and other accessories, will open at Americana at Brand in Glendale. The entry into malls could become another threat to traditional clothing sellers because of the data and shopper insights Amazon may gain, experts say.
Shoppers at the Amazon Style store can browse items on display and scan a QR code to see sizes, colors and customer ratings. Shoppers can send items to fitting rooms or directly to the store’s checkout counter. Once in a fitting room, customers can request other items using a touchscreen.
Amazon unseated Walmart as the largest clothing seller last year during the pandemic as more people began shopping online.