A socially distanced drive-thru job fair was held in Farmingdale Saturday to help Long Islanders who lost their jobs during the pandemic get back on their feet.

Express Employment Professionals says it's trying to create a safe environment.

According to the state Labor Department, private sector employment on Long Island increased over the past five months. Despite the gains, employment is still down by 9.8% compared to this time last year.

Labor officials say the state is doing slightly better than the nation when it comes to job growth, and employment officials say it's more important than ever before to have the resources at your fingertips to secure your next job.

The latest employment numbers for September will be released Tuesday.