“We are expecting there will be an increase in calls for benefits,” said Joyce Fogg, a spokeswoman for the VEC. “Our staff will look at each application individually.”

The VEC has closed its offices to visitors.

The moves come at a time when an increasing number of smaller business, including restaurants and retail stores, are having to close temporarily but are unable to pay employees during the closure.

Some larger companies, including Nordstrom and Macy’s, are closing stores but still paying employees.

“What I like to advise folks is if you are out of work and not being paid, file a claim and let us determine your eligibility,” said William Walton, unemployment insurance director for the VEC. “If you are out of work or if your hours have been reduced — if your normal hours are 30 a week and your employer cuts you back to 15 — you should still file.”

Walton also strongly urged people to file claims online if they have access to the internet, to help reduce wait times for calls to the agency.

Virginia’s unemployment rate was 2.7% in January, the most recent month for which government data is available.