Jobless Claims Down 24,000; Economy Grew At 6.5% Last Quarter

The Commerce Department reports a 6.5% annual growth rate in the economy, indicating a recovery from the pandemic recession. Fewer Americans are collecting unemployment benefits, with new jobless claims falling to 400,000 last week. Although this is lower than the peak in January, it remains higher than pre-COVID levels.

What is the significance of the economy growing by a six and a half percent annual rate?

In what way are the current unemployment numbers different from pre-COVID figures?