The data from the Labor Department revealed on Thursday the number of applications for unemployment benefits unexpectedly decreased last week, indicating the labor market remains strong even as the coronavirus outbreak starts to weigh on economic activity.

According to the report, the initial claims for unemployment benefits fell by 4,000 to a seasonally adjusted 211,000 for the week ended March 7.

Economists had expected 218,000 new claims last week.

Claims for the prior week were revised downwardly to 215,000 from the initial estimate of 216,000.

Meanwhile, the four-week moving average of claims rose by 1,250 to 214,000 last week.