COVID-19 Update

Arkansas’s COVID-19 situation continues to be the worst the state has seen since the start of the outbreak in early spring. During his weekly statewide COVID-19 update on Tuesday, Gov. Asa Hutchinson said new cases, deaths and hospitalizations continue to grow across Arkansas. He said state officials had reported nearly 2,300 more cases over the previous 24-hour period. So far this year, more than 174,000 Arkansans have contracted COVID-19.
Hutchinson said the state was postponing the implementation of new guidance that would require previous approval from the state for indoor events and commercial gatherings with an expected attendance of 100 people or less. Currently state approval is only required to such gatherings with an attendance of 100 or more. That could change, Hutchinson said, depending on additional feedback received by the taskforce. However, Hutchinson said businesses and organizers are welcome to voluntarily contact the Arkansas Department of Health for guidance in regards to events of any size.

Hutchinson noted these guidelines do not effect houses of worship or restaurants in Arkansas. These establishments have their own set of guidance under the Arkansas Department of Health.

Arkansas Secretary of Education Johnny Key provided an update on how COVID-19 has impacted public schools across the nation. Despite the rise in case growth in recent weeks, most schools across Arkansas are maintaining in-person instruction. He said 79 percent of school districts have not had to halt their onsite learning option this school year. That’s a testament, Key said, to the protocols district officials have put in place and their commitment to onsite instrution.

The latest numbers from the Arkansas Department of Health show Howard & Pike counties each have 50 active cases of Covid 19, while Hempstead County is reporting 63 cases at the present time.