The new cases of coronavirus increased with 385 positive PCR tests out of more than 5,200 total tests and another 114 positive antigen tests out of 699 total tests. Governor Asa Hutchinson said the state is reporting the two separately per CDC guidelines. Another 11 Arkansans died of the virus, bringing that total to 928. Health Secretary Dr. Jose Romero said seven of the deaths were reported in nursing homes, including small clusters in facilities in Beebe and El Dorado. Five counties reported more than 20 cases, including 42 in Washington County and 24 in Benton County. The Department of Education announced about 40 students at Pea Ridge Middle School have to quaratine after being identified as close contacts for COVID-19 exposure. About 100 kintergarteners in Harrison are also in quaratine. Stuart Walton, the chair of the Economic Recovery Task Force, provided an update on how the economy is fairing during the pandemic. Hutchinson also announced a partnership between the Department of Health and Baptist Health Systems in Little Rock that will allow the state to increase its testing capacity by 20 percent. To watch the full briefing, click here.
Governor Announces Partnership to Increase Testing Capacity, Walton Provides Economic Update
