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BREAKING: Arkansas has 118 coronavirus cases, Craighead, Crittenden, Indepedence, Greene and more

Talk Business and Politics

Updated 3/21/20 1:04 PM

The Arkansas Department of Health has confirmed 118 cases of COVID-19 in the state, 22 of those come from Cleburne county near the KASU listening area.  Here is the latest map from the Arkansas Department of Health:

City of Jonesboro officials have confirmed to KASU News that Craighead County has its first reported case of the coronavirus.

Craighead County sent and email to KASU News around 11:47 A.M. on Thursday.  It was a joint statement with County Judge Marvin Day and Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perin confirming the case:

Craighead County Judge Marvin Day and Jonesboro Mayor Harrold Perrin jointly announce that there is now a confirmed case of the coronavuius in Craighead County.

City Communications Director Bill Campbell said a press conference is being planned for Friday around 2 P.M.  It will be live streamed on the City of Jonesboro Facebook page with more details.  No details on where in Craighead County the case was reported.

The Arkansas Department of Health's website updated the latest number of positive cases of COVID-19 in the state.  Governor Asa Hutchinson said during a press conference Thursday afternoon that there are 62 confirmed cases in Arkansas, mostly situated in central Arkansas. 

The closest postive cases to the county for weeks have been in Cleburne County and Shelby County, Tennessee.  Now, two more counties in Northeast Arkansas were added to the list, which includes Poinsett and Independence.

Wednesday, Jonesboro offcials announced a new web page, email, and hotline dedicated to coronavirus concerns.  Officials said the page at Jonesboro.org is a way for residents to be updated on the city's response to the pandemic and find helpful resources.

Residents can email covid19@jonesboro.org or call 870-336-7244 with questions or concerns.  The hotline is open weekdays from 8 A.M. until 5 P.M., but residents are still encouraged to call 911 for emergencies.

Copyright 2020 KASU

A Northeast Arkansas native from Wynne, I’ve been involved with radio for about 15 years. I got my Bachelor of Arts degree from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, where I also served as an award-winning News Director for 2 years at KSWH-LP.