Missouri's unemployment rate is increasing as the effects of coronavirus kick in.
State data released Wednesday show unemployment hit 4.5% in March. That's compared to 3.5% unemployment in February. The hike in joblessness is likely the tip of the iceberg.
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson didn't issue a statewide stay-at-home order until this month, so April unemployment numbers could reflect a much steeper increase in the state's jobless rate. The state's labor department says it will start processing unemployment claims for self-employed and gig workers as early as next week.