The number of initial claims filed between Sunday, March 15, and Saturday, March 21, (the first time period that reflects the increased number of claims filed related to COVID-19, including the broader group of individuals eligible for claims due to the virus) was 40,952.
The number of continuing weekly unemployment claims as a result of COVID-19 will be available in next Thursday’s (April 2) release.
A total of $10,674,711.86 of unemployment insurance benefits was paid to Iowans for the week ending on March 20.
The top five industries with the most COVID-19 related claims in that time period are as follows:
Accommodation and Food Services (13,364);
Health Care and Social Assistance (4,936);
Education Services (2,698);
Other Services (1,999);
Retail Trade (1,710).