May 4, 2020 2:19 p.m. — At today's COVID-19 briefing, Gov. Asa Hutchinson reported the state has 3,458 positive cases, an increase of 27 from yesterday. Arkansas has five more deaths for a total of 81.
Health Secretary Dr. Nate Smith said the Cummins unit had a total of 5 inmate deaths over the weekend. Dr. Smith reported Cummins had 18 new cases. The cumulative number of positive cases is 873 inmates. The correctional institution in Forrest City has 172 cases, an increase of 22.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced guidance for houses of worship who want to restart in-person services. Guidelines include encouraging online platforms, 6 feet of distance between people except for family groups, no classes or youth childcare, and no physical contact.
The governor issued a directive for large outdoor venues like arenas, sports venues and race tracks. Beginning today, they can reopen following guidelines like maintaining 12 feet of distance between the performer and audience, 50 or fewer performers/players/contestants, and an audience of 50 or fewer. Large indoor venues like movie theaters and bowling alleys that can meet similar criteria as outdoor venues can start to reopen May 18.
$55 million has been approved for the Arkansas Ready for Business grant program. The website will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. Those who already successfully applied do not need to reapply. More than 75% of funding will go to businesses with 50 or fewer employees and 15% has been designated for women and minority-owned businesses.
Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston said a team has been testing out the newly-built system for applying for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. He said he anticipates issuing a press release later this afternoon with instructions.
You can watch the entire daily briefing here.
