Lincoln – Nebraska’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 4.2% in March, according to new data released last Friday.

The previous unemployment rate in February was 2.9%, according to the Nebraska Department of Labor.

The numbers were released amid a recent record-setting surge in unemployment claims caused by the coronavirus. The non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Omaha was 4.4% last month and 3.8% in Lincoln.

Iowa’s unemployment rate climbed to 3.7% in March as the state began to see the impact of an economic downturn amid efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Iowa Workforce Development reported the jobless rate increased from 2.8% in February.

Despite the jump in the unemployment rate, officials said the March rate only reflects the beginning of the economic slowdown. A more accurate picture of unemployment is expected next month when April figures are released. The U.S. unemployment rate for March was 4.4%.

– Associated Press