Sept. 2, 2020 2:16 p.m. — During today's daily COVID-19 briefing, Gov. Asa Hutchinson reported the state has 62,112 positive cases, an increase of 615 from yesterday. Of those new cases, 16 were in correctional facilities. Hospitalizations increased by 12 for a total of 435. Arkansas has 841 deaths related to the coronavirus, an increase of 27. While this is the most deaths reported in a single day, Health Secretary Dr. Jose Romero said 13 of those deaths were the result of delayed reporting (deaths from more than 3 weeks ago). He said 1 was from May, 4 from June, 4 from July and 4 from early August. Five deaths occurred in nursing homes and Dr. Romero said there was no clustering.
In the last 24 hours, 4,773 tests were conducted. That's about 1,243 more than the day prior. Gov. Hutchinson reported 590 antigen tests were conducted yesterday. Of those, 156 were positive, which represents a 26.4 percent positivity case. In the future, the governor said antigen tests will be regularly reported publicly and to the CDC. Overall, the state is reporting 13,098 cumulative antigen tests have been conducted. Of those, 2,050 have been positive for a 15.7% positivity rate. Health officials say antigen tests are designed to test symptomatic people, which could explain the higher positivity rate.
The state has 5,010 active cases, 26 less than yesterday. There are 90 patients on ventilators, an increase of 5. Counties with more than 20 new cases are Washington County with 67, Pulaski County with 62, Benton County with 60, Craighead with 49, Garland County with 26, Saline County 21 and Mississippi County with 20.
Education Secretary Johnny Key announced the state is opting in to an extension of waivers by the USDA. The waivers will allow the state to continue providing free meals to students through Dec. 31.
Gov. Hutchinson also announced the state's August net available revenue is $41 million above forecast. The year-to-date net available revenue after two months of the fiscal year is $93.7 million above forecast.
You can watch the entire daily briefing here.