August 18, 2020 4:45 p.m. -- The Arkansas Department of Health is reporting 16 additional deaths because of coronavirus, bringing the total of Arkansans who have died from the disease to 619. The state reported 410 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24-hour monitoring period with 325 of those considered community cases and 85 at correctional facilities. More than 4,600 tests were returned to the state in the same monitoring period. Governor Asa Hutchinson, who delivered the briefing from Blytheville, said the last few days of reduced cases and reduced tests suggest Arkansas is getting a handle on the spread of the virus. Sebastian County reported the most new cases with 44, Pulaski County had 40 and Washington County had 29.
Dr. Jennifer Dillaha, the medical director of immunizations at the Arkansas Department of Health, said it remains important to identify people when symptoms are first present. While it may take 14 days for an exposed person to develop symptoms, it's more likely symptoms will be present in about five or six days, but the virus can be spread one or two days before symptoms become apparent.
As the beginning of the new school year nears, Hutchinson said the state is working to extend online capability to more rural areas in the state for students opting to learn from home or if an increase in coronavirus spread force schools to shift to all-online classes. When asked about Oklahoma's plan to make absentee ballot envelopes a recognizable color, the governor said he liked the idea, but it would require conversation and cooperation between the Arkansas Secretary of State's office, county clerks and county election commissioners.