New Idaho unemployment claims drop 8%

BOISE, Idaho — State officials say new unemployment claims dropped 8% last week to 3,631 when compared to the week before that. 

The Idaho Department of Labor also said Thursday that the number of people requesting a benefit payment with a continued claim dropped 23% to 36,764.

That's the largest drop in six consecutive weeks of declines. 

The agency says it paid out a record $86 million in claims last week. 

Idaho's economy started shedding jobs in March when the coronavirus entered the state and Gov. Brad Little issued a stay-at-home order. 

Restrictions have been lifted gradually over the last six weeks as Little seeks to reopen the state during the pandemic.

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Facts not fear: More on coronavirus

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At KTVB, we’re focusing our news coverage on the facts and not the fear around the virus. To see our full coverage and the latest COVID-19 case numbers, visit our coronavirus section here: www.ktvb.com/coronavirus  

Coronavirus resources:

• Interactive map and timeline tracking Idaho COVID-19 cases
• What's an 'essential' business under the Idaho stay-home order? Gov. Little answers your questions
• Coronavirus resources: Testing sites, at-risk grocery hours in the Treasure Valley
• List of employers hiring during the coronavirus pandemic
• How to help southern Idaho nonprofits or get help during the coronavirus pandemic

Closures:

• Closures: List of venues, sporting events, and public buildings closed or canceled due to coronavirus concerns
• List of schools and universities that cancel class in Idaho due to the coronavirus