Gov. Hutchinson COVID-19 Briefing

Arkansas reported a record single-day increase in new COVID-19 cases on Thursday.

During his weekly press conference, Gov. Asa Hutchinson said state health officials recorded nearly 5,000 new cases over a 24-hour period. This is the highest one-day increase in Arkansas since COVID-19 emerged two years ago.

Active cases saw a correspondingly high increase and now total more than 18,000 across the state.

In all, the Arkansas Department of Health states there have been more than 562,000 transmissions of COVID-19 since the spring of 2020.

Deaths rose by 18 on Thursday for a total of 9,131 since the pandemic began. Currently 585 Arkansans are hospitalized due to the virus.

As part of the state’s effort against the surge of omicron cases, Hutchinson said the state is seeking 1.5 million at-home COVID-19 tests through the federal government. These tests would be free and available at public locations throughout Arkansas communities.

Regular PCR and antigen tests remain in adequate supply in Arkansas.

State officials also addressed the shortage of monoclonal antibody treatments throughout the state. These treatments have proven effective in limiting severe symptoms in people who contract the virus.

The state is also sharing updated COVID-19 isolation and quarantine guidelines. Anyone who tests positive for the virus should isolate themselves for a minimum of five days. Following those five days, and if no symptoms are present, the individual is able to leave isolation. If fever persists, the individual should continue to isolate until at least 24 hours after their fever is resolved.

Quarantine guidelines for those exposed to a COVID-positive individual are also asked to stay home for five days if they are not fully vaccinated and boosted. Quarantine guidelines are much more relaxed for individuals who have been exposed but are fully vaccinated and boosted.