More than 2,500 people out of work because of Covid-19 should have received their first emergency benefits payments by yesterday.

Lovitta Foggo, the Minister of Labour, Community Affairs and Sport, said that the Accountant-General had paid out more than $2 million to a total of 2,106 applicants on Tuesday.

Ms Foggo added: “These are individuals who are receiving payment for the first time.”

She added that another 397 claimants got their first payments yesterday — a total of $356,542. Ms Foggo said: “All those expecting payment should check their bank accounts to confirm they have received the funds.”

She added that anyone who applied for benefits before April 6, but had not received a payment or been told they were ineligible, should call either 297-7714 or 297-7716 on Monday.

Ms Foggo said: “I extend my appreciation and thanks to the teams at the Accountant-General’s Department and the Department of Workforce Development for getting the applications processed for payment.”