Weekly jobless claims in Virginia approach 150,000
FALLS CHURCH, Va.-- Nearly 150,000 Virginians filed unemployment claims in the last week. That's the third straight week of record-setting claims in reaction to the coronavirus outbreak.
The numbers released Thursday by the U.S. Department of Labor show jobless claims increased by about one-third over the previous week, which was itself record-setting.
Before the coronavirus forced so many businesses into stasis, weekly jobless claims in Virginia averaged around 2,600.
Also Thursday, the state health department reported for the first time Thursday that the death toll from the coronavirus has exceeded 100 in Virginia and the number of positive tests for the virus exceeds 4,000.
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COVID-19 Precautions
Most patients with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. However, in a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can lead to more severe illness, including death, particularly among those who are older or those who have chronic medical conditions.
COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person.
Virginia health officials urged the following precautions:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid contact with sick people.Avoid non-essential travel.