Fed’s Barkin: Next few months could be challenging until vaccine available

November 23, 2020

(Reuters) – A vaccine to prevent the coronavirus may not be widely available until next summer, and households could struggle over the next several months without more government aid, Richmond Federal Reserve Bank President Thomas Barkin said on Monday.

The policymaker is expecting a “slow and steady” recovery, he said during an event organized by Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. He also said he thinks there is still room for a targeted aid package to help the workers, businesses and municipalities affected by the crisis.

(Reporting by Jonnelle Marte; Editing by Andrea Ricci)