The new jobless claims figures collectively constitute the largest and fastest string of job losses in records dating to 1948. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits slipped 261,000 to a seasonally adjusted 6.606 million for the week ending April 4, according to the report. Data for the prior week, ending March 28, was revised to show 219,000 more applications were received than previously reported, taking the tally for that period to 6.867 million. The states with the largest increases in new claims last week were California (up 871,992), New York (up 286,596), Michigan (up 176,329), Florida (up 154,171), Georgia (up 121,680), Texas (up 120,759) and New Jersey (up 90,438). About 95 percent, or 48 states, are now under some form of lockdown with non-essential businesses shutting down. Restaurants, hotels, department stores and small businesses have laid off millions as they struggle to pay bills at a time when their revenue has vanished.