July 20, 2020 2:13 p.m. — During today's COVID-19 briefing, Gov. Asa Hutchinson reported the state has 33,927 positive cases, an increase of 699 from yesterday. Of those, 11 are in correctional facilities. Hospitalizations increased 18 for a total of 471. Arkansas has 363 deaths related to the coronavirus, an increase of 6. Officials have received 5,689 test reports in the last 24 hours. Gov. Hutchinson said it will be a challenge to reach his goal of 200,000 tests for the month as Arkansas is currently at 112,646 tests for July.
New acting Health Secretary Dr. Jose Romero reported the state has 7,167 active cases. Of those, 121 are in nursing homes, 1,093 are in correctional facilities and 5,953 are in the community. The top three counties with the most new cases are Washington County with 94, Pulaski County with 60 and Benton County with 57. Sebastian County ranked seventh with 25 new cases. Dr. Romero said 26,397 Arkansans have recovered.
Gov. Hutchinson announced $8.2 million in CARES Act funding will support low-income Arkansans struggling to pay energy bills. The funding supports a crisis program as well as an air conditioning program. Applications open July 27. The intitiative, which can provide assistance of up to $1,500 per household, will be in effect through Sept. 30, 2021 or until the $8.2 million is expended.
The governor also announced that following a request, he is authorizing 10 Arkansas National Guard personnel to support case management work at Washington Regional Medical Center for the next 30 days.
You can watch the entire daily briefing here.
