June 3, 2020 2:12 p.m. — In today's COVID-19 update, Gov. Asa Hutchinson reported the state has 8,067 positive cases, an increase of 249 from yesterday. Four of the new cases come from a correctional facility. Hospitalizations have increased by 6 for a total of 138, a new record. Arkansas has 142 deaths related to the coronavirus, an increase of 6.
Health Secretary Dr. Nate Smith said 3,872 tests have been conducted in the last 24 hours with a 4.8 percent positivity rate. The state has a total of 2,208 active cases. There are 20 new cases in Benton County and 28 new cases in Washington County.
An effort is underway to test all nursing home residents and staff in the month of June. Testing will include other facilities like human development centers as well. Rachel Bunch, executive director of the Arkansas Health Care Assocation, said the goal is to establish a baseline. Officials are working on guidelines for reopening the facilities to visitors and she said that will be tied to the testing intitiative. Bunch said end-of-life visitation has always been allowed and she doesn't expect that to change.
You can watch the entire daily briefing here.