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PHOENIX - It appears the toll the ongoing coronavirus outbreak is taking on Arizona's economy is starting to show in statistics.
On Monday, FOX 10 obtained a statement from the Arizona Department of Economic Security. In the statement, officials say they typically receive about 3,500 applications per week, but last week, they received over 29,000 applications.
"DES is doing everything possible to get Arizonans benefits as soon as possible, including adding staff in response to increased application volume, approving overtime (including working on the weekends), and expanding the capacity to take applications over the phone," read a portion of the statement.
For some, fears of eviction
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Families in fear of eviction as coronavirus economic crisis deepens
One West Valley family fears that without a job, they may be forced out of their rented home soon.
As unemployment applications rise, some are fearing eviction, should they remain unemployed for months.
Brandon Boileau, who has several kids, has been looking for a job, and he says with the benefits capped at $240 a week, it's not enough.
Boileau says he was short on rent, and is hoping for leniency. However, he doesn't know if he'll get it. Now, he fears he and his fiancé will be evicted in the next month.
While Federal and state leaders have worked to stop evictions in publicly owned housing, there is nothing preventing private landlords from evicting residents.
As of noon on Monday, there are 2,447 open evictions in Maricopa County Justice Courts. Many judges, however, say they are holding off on eviction cases until the end of the month or into April. Some are setting up ways for hearings to move ahead through the telephone instead of in person hearings.
FOX 10 has reached out to Boileau's landlord, who did not respond.
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Additional Resources
Coronavirus (COVID-19) - How it spreads, symptoms, prevention, treatment, FAQ
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
Arizona COVID-19 Response - Public resources, FAQ, webinars
https://www.azdhs.gov/coronavirus
In order to protect yourself from a possible infection, the CDC recommends:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
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