May 9, 2020 1:50 p.m. — At today's COVID-19 briefing, Gov. Asa Hutchinson reported the state has 3,984 positive cases, an increase of 237 from yesterday. Of those new cases, 173 come from correctional facililties. Health Secretary Dr. Nate Smith said the correctional institution cases are not cases that have occurred in the last 24 hours. The CDC previously conducted the tests and there was a delay in getting those numbers added to the Arkansas Department of Health's system. At the Federal Correctional Institution in Forrest City, 301 inmates and 13 staff have tested positive.
In nursing homes, 286 residents have tested positive, an increase of 16. Meanwhile, 166 staff have tested positive, an increase of 6. The state has a total of 837 active cases. Arkansas has 90 deaths related to the coronavirus, an increase of 2.
A directive for large outdoor and indoor venues is being updated. Effective May 18, these venues may be allowed to operate with one-third capacity. If that number is more than 50, the venue must submit a proposal to the Arkansas Department of Health for approval.
You can watch the entire daily briefing here.
