The Maine Dept. of Labor reported Thursday that 16,100 people filed initial claims for unemployment benefits last week, breaking the downward trend the state had seen in recent weeks.

The number of first-time claims was up from 7,400 the week before.

Maine labor officials had warned that initial claims would increase after they started accepting applications under the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, which extended benefits to self-employed Mainers and independent contractors.

Labor officials say about 10,500 of the claims filed last week can be attributed to the PUA program, which was established under the Cares Act.

The state said 76,300 Mainers filed continued unemployment claims last week.

Since March 15, the department says it has paid out more than $240 million in benefits.