May 8, 2020 2:20 p.m. — At today's COVID-19 update, Gov. Asa Hutchinson reported the state has 3,747 positive cases, an increase of 82 from yesterday. Of those new cases, 12 come from correctional facililties. At the Cummins Unit 896 inmates have tested positive, an increase of 10. An additional 6 staff members have tested positive, bringing that total to 60. Arkansas has 88 deaths related to the coronavirus, the same as yesterday.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson said there has been legislative approval for up to $147 million for the Arkansas Ready for Business grant program. The program launched with $15 million and was increased to $55 after legislative approval.
Health Secretary Dr. Smith said there were 2,355 test results reported yesterday with a 2.1% positivity rate. Beginning Monday, some elective procedures requiring overnight stays will be allowed. Procedures requiring an expected overnight stay up to 48 hours will be permitted.
On May 22 pools, splash pads, water parks and swim beaches may reopen with restrictions including 50 percent capacity, testing the pool's pH level twice daily, and maintaining 6 feet of distance.
This morning the Economic Recovery Task Force launched a new website that officials describe as a comprehensive resource that includes industry-specific and institution-specific information to help reopen the state's economy in a safe way.
You can watch the entire daily briefing here.
