Aug. 12, 2020 2:20 p.m. — Gov. Asa Hutchinson delivered today's update from the University of Arkansas Monticello today. The governor reported the state has 51,114 positive cases, an increase of 703 from yesterday. Of those new cases, 24 are in correctional facilities. Hospitalizations decreased by 21 for a total of 486. Arkansas has 573 deaths related to the coronavirus, an increase of 7. In the last 24 hours, 4,401 tests were conducted.
Health Secreatry Dr. Jose Romero reported the state has 6,725 active cases. Of those, 69 are in nursing homes, 741 are in correctional facilities and 5,915 are in the community. Another 818 Arkansans have recovered, bringing that total to 43,816. There are 113 patients on ventilators, a decrease of 3. The top five counties with the most new cases are Pulaski County with 78, Logan County with 47, Sebastian County with 43, Garland County with 42 and Jefferson County with 33.
Gov. Hutchinson announced he is signing a letter of intent with the Rockefeller Foundation and a consortium of states to enhance the buying power of states with commercial labs. Hutchinson said it will give commercial labs confidence they can expand their capacity because states have committed to that demand.
You can watch the entire daily briefing here.