COVID-19 related UI filings increased by 284 in Rhode Island on Sunday. / AP FILE PHOTO/ERIC GAY
PROVIDENCE – COVID-19 unemployment insurance claims increased by 522 on Monday, to 175,682, according to the R.I. Department of Labor and Training. Pandemic unemployment assistance filings increased by 623, to 72,003. The federally backed program covers small-business owners, the self-employed and contractors. All initial unemployment filings in the state since March 9 total 261,670. Temporary…