New unemployment claims in Tennessee drop again
New unemployment claims dropped to their lowest level in Tennessee since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown in mid-march.
During the week ending May 9, 29,308 Tennesseans filed for unemployment assistance from the government, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. That brings the total claims filed since March 15 to a historic high of 498,001. Nationally, more than 36 million Americans have filed unemployment claims during the coronavirus epidemic, including nearly 3 million last week.
Tennessee’s hospitality and tourism industry is especially hard-hit by closures, with hotels and restaurants shedding thousands of jobs in April. Those include 89 positions at Hard Rock Cafe, 143 jobs at Pinewood Social, and 629 workers at Hooters restaurants statewide – among many others.
Tennessee businesses began a phased reopening strategy in late April, dubbed “Tennessee Pledge.” State leaders asked restaurants and retail shops to return to business with reduced capacity and new screening measures including temperature readings of customers and shoppers.
Nashville followed with some businesses allowed to resume operations on Monday. When the second phase of reopening is announced, salons and tattoo parlors will allowed to begin serving some customers again, and public playgrounds will reopen.
Bars and gyms will follow in the third phase of reopening, followed by sporting and live entertainment venues in the final stage.