State optimistic about COVID-19 numbers

State officials are continuing to sound an optimistic note in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic as new cases, deaths and hospitalizations decrease across the state and nation.

During his weekly update Tuesday afternoon, Gov. Asa Hutchinson said Arkansans should not, however, let their guard down in regards to COVID-19. He informed the public of the CDC’s recent recommendation to get a third booster follow-up shot for those 50 and older or who are immunocompromised.

Hutchinson then announced State Health Secretary Dr. Jose Romero will move to a new position with the Centers for Disease Control. Romero led the Arkansas Department of Health through the worst moments of the pandemic and has appeared frequently on our weekly coverage of the state’s pandemic response.

Across Arkansas, the Department of Health reported an additional 1,020 new cases between March 22 and March 29 – the latest period for which data is available on the Department of Health’s website.
Total active cases fell to just under 1,300 while deaths increased by 84 over the same period for a total of 11,211 since the pandemic began. At this time 122 Arkansans are hospitalized due to the virus.