Governor Asa Hutchinson held his weekly coronavirus response briefing Tuesday via Zoom while he continues to cut down on in person appearances after potentially becoming exposed to COVID-19. So far, all of Hutchinson's tests have been negative. Secretary of Health Dr. Jose Romero reported 952 new cases, a record 676 hospitalizations from the virus and 20 additional deaths, most of which were among people 65 and older and those in nursing homes. With the health of older Arkansans in mind, Romero is calling on families to reconsider traditional holiday gatherings this fall and winter, starting with Halloween this weekend. The secretary also discussed a recent visit from representatives from the White House's Operation Warp Speed about the state's plans for the eventual distribution of a vaccine once it's available. Arkansas Secretary of Education Johnny Key also spoke. He said 11 schools had to make modifications in their operations because of the number of diagnosed cases and close contacts, making it the lowest number of modifications in a week since the start of the school year in August. There are now a total of 17 active modifications, including temporary switches to virtual learning, across the state. Hutchinson said that while he is disappointed by the rising number of cases, he is encouraged by the increase in the number of tests done every 24 hours. To watch the full briefing, click here.
COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations, Deaths Increasing in People 65 and Older
