The Arkansas Department of Health reported a reduced number of new COVID-19 cases and test results today. Governor Asa Hutchinson announced the state added 412 new cases, pushing the state’s cumulative total over 53,000. There were four additional deaths, meaning 603 Arkansans have died from the disease. Hospitalizations were up by eight. Only two counties reported more than 20 new cases: Pulaski with 54 and Sebastian with 21.
Prior to the daily briefing, the governor and state officials, as well as medical, education and business leaders met with Dr. Deborah Birx, coordinator of the White House Coronavirus Task Force. The governor said Birx is encouraged by a reduction in the state’s new cases over the past few weeks. Dr. Jose Romero, Arkansas’ Secretary of Health, said state officials learned that the majority of the spread of the virus is through community and familial contact.
Arkansas schools begin a week from today, though the governor noted that many private schools in Arkansas are already operating with more than 15,000 students and about 2,000 faculty. He said a couple of weeks of private school classes could yield some information that will be beneficial for the beginning of the public school year. The governor is scheduled to hold tomorrow’s briefing in Blytheville, in eastern Arkansas. To watch the full briefing, click here.
