In total, approximately 4,300 people were filing an initial claim or reopening their unemployment claim.
About 15,400 weekly certifications, or continued claims, were filed last week for state unemployment, with another 16,000 weekly certifications filed under PUA. In addition, about 9,200 weekly certifications were filed for the federal Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program. Weekly certifications must be filed by claimants every week in order to continue to receive unemployment benefits.
Maine typically, according to a news release, sees increases in state unemployment claims this time of year due to seasonal layoffs that occur every winter, such as in accommodations, eating and drinking places, construction, landscaping, and temporary help. Some of these industries have seen increased impact due to COVID-19.