That’s nuts. I see no reason you would get denied and hope you’re fine. Do ‘not’ put “quit due to covid”. Not under any circumstances. If this turns into a lawsuit, you want the courts to know, what you say, Is the truth. You were fired and from reading what you wrote, it sounds unjustified.
The first time he fired you sounds like he may have a creepy interest in you and got jealous or he’s just creepy like that. This time sounds like A. He’s nuts as in not right in the head regarding the recent message and B. Possibly discrimination based on you having had covid. The no discrimination laws cover things like disability and race because some people are *sshole racists like that. Maybe he’s freaked that you had COVID and doesn’t want to be around you which is discriminatory. You had COVID and it seems you may still be struggling to recover. Get to your doctor. Do follow ups and keep all records. You lost hours (your job) which seems to be COVID related. If you can, pull all your phone records back to that November firing and check it for any calls which may have been from you to the office for possible call outs. If it went to court he’d have to show his incoming calls and undeniable justifiable cause for firing you especially in that manner. I’m stunned he’s say what he said and that he’d be stupid enough to text it. From what you shared it seems you have some very disturbing, on his part, evidence in your favor for his disturbing actions.
Screenshot those text messages and print them out. They’re damning and disturbing to say the least. Just do ‘((not))’ say you quit, because you didn’t and the last thing you want on record is ammo for his side if it does go to court and it should. I don’t know you or the entirety of your story, but what you did share is plenty enough to see you have something much larger going on here. Get the unemployment and take the fight and injustice to the courts. I’m disgusted at what he texted to you. Wishing you the best. Don’t let him get away with his obvious issues causing you lifetime losses and possible future job options.
Stay safe, stay healthy and I’m glad you made it through COVID ok.