The Arkansas Department of Health reported 626 new cases of COVID-19 to wrap up the week. That includes 189 new cases in correctional facilities and 437 in the community. Five more Arkansans have died from the virus and hospitalizations dropped for the fourth consecutive day. While he said he's encouraged by the reduced numbers, Governor Asa Hutchinson extended the state's public health emergency for another 60 days. He also announced public schools are sticking with existing schedules for extracurricular activities like team sports. Interteam scrimmages can begin this weekend and intrateam scrimmages can begin next weekend. Attendance at school games will be capped at 66 percent capacity, but enforcing that directive will be up to each school district. According to Secretary of Health Dr. Jose Romero the state received more than 5,500 test results in the last 24-hour monitoring period bringing the state's overall positivity rate to 8.9 percent. Secretary of Education Johnny Key also discussed the state's reserve of PPE materials for schools and a new resource for children called Kids' Guide to Coronavirus, which is now available for students and educators. To watch the full briefing, click here.
Governor Extends Pandemic Emergency, Announces Additional Team Sports Directives
