Jobless claims in Wyoming drop compared to previous week

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - The number of unemployment claims filed in Wyoming has dropped as the state eases coronavirus-related restrictions.

State and federal data released Thursday show the number of unemployment applications submitted in Wyoming for the week ending Saturday was 1,911.

That's a 42% drop from the previous week, but an 832% increase compared to the same week last year.

Since March 14, the state has processed more than 38,000 unemployment claims, which is 14.2% of the total work force.

As of May 9, 17,928 people in the state were receiving unemployment benefits, which is 6.6% of eligible employees.

Nationally, nearly 39 million people have now filed for jobless aid over the last two months.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause mor! e severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.