Coronavirus Updates: Nearly 1.6 Million In Georgia File For Unemployment

A sign posted on the locked doors of a Georgia Department of Labor office advises workers at the office are working remotely and are not available in person consultation due to coronavirus concerns, Thursday, May 7, 2020, in Norcross Georgia.

John Bazemore / Associated Press

Nearly 1.6 million Georgians have filed for unemployment due to COVID-19, according to the state Department of Labor.

Nearly half of them qualify for state unemployment and the other half, officials say, could still qualify for federal benefits of $600 a week.

Officials say many people are filing for unemployment for the first time and don’t know they have to verify their status with the Department every week in order to keep receiving payments.