Virus-related unemployment claims rise in Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission says virus-related claims for unemployment benefits, including initial and continuing claims as well as the four-week moving average, have increased in the state.

OESC director Shelley Zumwalt said the increase is due to people who lost jobs at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic a year ago reapplying, as required, after 52 weeks.

The state health department on Friday reported 444,863 total virus cases and 8,124 deaths based on death certificates supplied to the federal Centers for Disease Control, increases of 273 cases and 10 additional deaths since Thursday.