MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — More than 400,000 Alabamians have filed unemployment claims during the past six weeks as businesses were ordered closed, or stopped work, during the coronavirus outbreak.
The Alabama Department of Labor announced the latest numbers Thursday. Nearly 75,000 new claims were filed last week, according to the state agency.
The record unemployment claims have been cited by politicians and groups eager to end closure orders. State Health Officer Scott Harris and Gov. Kay Ivey have said the state also has to balance health concerns, noting the state hasn’t yet met White House guidelines for reopening certain businesses.
A state stay-home order expires at 5 p.m. and retail stores and beaches will be allowed to open with occupancy limits. Elective and non-emergency medical procedures are also being allowed to resume.
Salons, barber shops, gyms, tattoo parlors, bars and on-site restaurant dining will remain closed until the evening of May 15, under the newest “safer at home” state health order.