State Officials Address Schools and Coronavirus

“Governor Asa Hutchinson and State Officials addressed the media Sunday afternoon about the latest developments with COVID-19, the coronavirus, and the Governor announced that Schools in Arkansas have the option of closing on Monday, and all schools are authorized to close starting Tuesday. Here’s Governor Hutchinson:”

“Secretary of Education Johnny Key says the option to close schools on Monday is up to the local superintendent and local school officials. Secretary Key says some schools may need the day to get ready for closure:”

“In other coronavirus-related news, Attorney General Leslie Rutledge says that price gouging laws will now be in effect for at least the next 30 days:”

“Governor Hutchinson says that there are now 16 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state. The latest two confirmed cases are from Garland County. The Governor reported that testing capabilities should be expanded significantly in the near future. With the Department of Health and UAMS working to expand testing capabilities, it is hoped that the available tests will increase to 440 per day within a week or so. Governor Hutchinson also advised against panic buying of products. The Governor assures residents that grocery stores will remain open.
Again, Monday classes at area schools are optional with local officials set to make the call as to whether or not on-site instruction will take place on Monday. All schools will dismiss for the week beginning Tuesday. Then, it’s the previously scheduled Spring Break Week from March 23rd – 27th. So the earliest that classes could resume at area schools is Monday, March 30th.