(PORTLAND PRESS HERALD) — As of this week, Mainers will have to start searching for a new job in order to keep their unemployment benefits.

Looking for employment was a requirement for most unemployment insurance systems. However, this requirement was temporally waived back in March at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

Now the requirement is live again, as Maine begins to reopen with some of the lowest case numbers in the country.

As of August 16th, Mainers filing for weekly benefits will have to attest to their job search activity, claim self-employment, or  still connected to their previous employer and expect to be rehired. Those still connected to an employer, are required to start searching for work as of October 3rd.

Work search activities typically involve attending in-person job interviews and fairs. Due to the pandemic, however, what constitutes ‘work search’ activities now include virtual reemployment, job fairs and training. Labor department spokeswoman Jessica Picard states that work search activities have  been “…expanded to recognize skill development” as well.

Acceptable job search activities include:

• Attending a job fair or virtual fair hosted by a Maine CareerCenter.
• Participating in CareerCenter virtual reemployment services or virtual workshops.
• Applying or interviewing for a job for which a claimant is reasonably qualified.
• Contacting employers to see if they are hiring.
• Participating in job-related education or skills development.
• Participating in networking events relating to a job or occupation.

Though, plenty of Mainers claim that the time still isn’t right for them to go job hunting. Either due to a lack of availible child care or because they may have health conditions that put them at a higher risk of getting dangerously ill were they to contract COVID-19. The  loss of $600 a month will put a greater financial strain on a sizable amount of the public using those funds to make ends meet.