Rates for January, February and March were all at just of 3% before businesses began closing in March, leading to widespread furloughs and a spike in residents filing for unemployment benefits.
The April rate is the highest the state has seen in nearly 40 years, according to the department. In 1982-83, the state saw a 12.9% rate over a two-month period.
More than 376,000 jobs were lost from March to April, according to the department. The hardest-hit industries were hospitality, manufacturing and professional services.
Additionally, since March 15, the state has paid more than $359 million in unemployment benefits.
Unemployment rates by county are expected to be announced May 28.
See the full announcement from the department of labor here.