By JULIE CUNNINGHAM
(Massachusetts) Massachusetts unemployment claims are skyrocketing with the COVID-19 pandemic. In the period of one week, from April 5 -April 11, 102,828 people file for unemployment, down 26% from the previous week. Retail Trade, Food and Accommodation, and Health and Social Assistance show the highest number of initial claims. A total of 571,304 claims have been filed since March 15. Out of that half a million claimants, Massachusetts has paid 315,000 laid off workers. Customer Service staff at the Department of Unemployment Assistance has grown to 850 employees. Over 115,000 calls have been made to constituents through this remote call center. Nationally, unemployment claims have reached 20 million.