The 4-week moving average was 230,000, an increase of 1,750 from the previous week's unrevised average of 228,250.
According to unadjusted data, the biggest declines in initial claims were seen in Pennsylvania (-1,093), Michigan (-699) and Maryland (-517) while the main rises were recorded in New Jersey (5,473), Texas (3,515), NY (3,353) and California (2,634). Claims taking procedures in Puerto Rico (523) and in the Virgin Islands (-10) have still not returned to normal.
The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.3 percent for the week ending March 31, unchanged from the previous week's unrevised rate.
Continuing claims increased by 53,000 to 1,871,000 in the week ending March 31. The previous week's level was revised up 10,000 from 1,808,000 to 1,818,000. The 4-week moving average was 1,850,250, a decrease of 1,500 from the previous week's revised average. This is the lowest level for this average since January 5, 1974 when it was 1,838,500. The previous week's average was revised up by 3,500 from 1,848,250 to 1,851,750.