Alaska initial jobless claims down but well above average

JUNEAU, Alaska — Initial unemployment claims in Alaska are down slightly from a historic high, but they are about 12 times what is typical for this time of year amid the economic fallout from coronavirus concerns, according to a state official and government figures Thursday.

Initial claims for the most recent reporting week totalled 12,007, said Lennon Weller, actuary for the state’s unemployment insurance system. That compares with 14,590 claims the prior week, which the state labour department said far exceeded anything in Alaska’s history.

The new numbers could mean the “biggest wave of initial filings is behind us. Certainly, things can change,” Weller said.

“Significantly elevated” levels of initial filings are likely throughout April, he said, adding it could be several weeks before there is a peak in the level of continued filings.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy last week said the labour department was adding 100 people to help process claims, which the administration said should help reduce wait times.

The state has barred dine-in services at restaurants and bars and ordered the closure of gyms, theatres, bowling alleys and bingo halls in a bid to prevent the spread of the virus. Hair and nail salons also have been closed.

Major drivers of the state’s economy have been rattled, too. For example, this week’s announcement by two cruise lines that they plan sharp reductions in their sailings to Alaska is expected to be a huge hit to the state’s tourism industry and the many communities that rely upon it.

Bristol Bay Native Corp. announced it is donating $75,000 to food banks and $250,000 to communities in that southwest Alaska region.

Dunleavy has begun outlining plans for reopening parts of the economy while the state continues tracking cases and works to ramp up its testing. As of Thursday morning, the state had reported 300 total cases of COVID-19 and nine deaths so far related to the disease.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.

The state announced Wednesday it would begin lifting in phases restrictions on health care activities but included screening and other steps that are to be taken before certain procedures are conducted. Some procedures may require that a patient be tested beforehand.

Dunleavy said he doesn’t take lightly any of the actions the state has taken so far. “I don’t care to be restrictive. I like my freedom. That’s why I live in Alaska,” he said Wednesday.

He said the goal is to get to as close to normal as possible, as soon as possible — “just have to be very careful that we don’t put the health care consideration last.”

Becky Bohrer, The Associated Press