Gov. explains state’s vaccine rollout plan

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson said the state is receiving a lot of questions about when the COVID-19 vaccine will be offered to certain groups as well as the broader public. During yesterday’s weekly press conference he explained the state’s phased vaccine rollout remains largely the same as originally announced in December. The ongoing Phase 1A is focusing on healthcare workers then long-term care staff and residents. This phase also includes first responders, teachers and the staffs of certain pharmacies. Hutchinson said this phase should be completed by the end of the month.

The next phase, 1B, will target those 70 and older as well as frontline essential workers. This group would include postal workers, food service workers, media and utility services like power, internet and water. Phase 1C will include Arkansans 65 to 69-years-old as well as anyone 16 to 64-years-old with a high-risk medical condition.

Hutchinson said these phases could change depending on how quickly vaccines are received and doses given.

Arkansas Education Commissioner Johnny Key raised the issue of emergency paid sick leave for school teachers who catch COVID-19 or are quarantined because of potential exposure. School districts across Arkansas provided extra sick days last year to affected teachers and staff. State aid for that leave, however, has been depleted. Key suggested districts continue their district-level policies using local funds or assistance provided through the latest federal COVID-19 relief bill. That bill, passed last week, includes over $500 million in education dollars for Arkansas.