The Department of Employment and Economic Development says that new applications for unemployment insurance in Minnesota this week has topped 50,000 due to the coronavirus.

The closures of bars, restaurants and other businesses to slow the spread of COVID-19 has taken a toll on the state’s economy. Officials say they have been taking more than 2,000 applications per hour.  Normally, officials say they take 40 or 50 applications during that time period.

Commissioner Steve Grove warns that the state faces a long road ahead due to the coronavirus.