Pandemic continues to hit state

The unemployment rate in Oklahoma was reported as 13.7 percent in April, up from 2.9 percent in March, according to figures released by the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission.

The seasonally adjusted number of Oklahomans listed as jobless increased by 188,950 in one month, the OESC’s report shows. The U.S. unemployment rate was 14.7 percent in April.

The Oklahoma Business Conditions Index increased slightly in May, but remained in negative territory. The May index was set at 43.0, up from 34.2 in April. Numbers below 50 indicate economic contraction is expected during the next three to six months.