Governor Announces Plan to Increase State's Buying Power With Testing Labs

From the University of Arkansas in Monticello, Governor Asa Hutchinson reported the state added another 703 positive COVID-19 cases during the last 24-hour monitoring period, bringing the state's cumulative case total to 51,114. There were also an additional seven deaths and there are now 21 fewer Arkansans hospitalized because of the virus. After getting back just more than 4,100 test results, Hutchinson announced he's signed a letter of intent with the Rockefeller Foundation and other states to work as a consortium to enhance buying power with commercial testing labs. Once the details are worked out, the letter of intent will become a formal contract. The governor also said a state task force created to make recommendations for fall sports at Arkansas schools has established guidelines and schedules that will be released soon. Secretary of Health Jose Romero said fan attendance at those events will require case-by-case approval from the state. The governor also discussed the dropping number of coronavirus cases in Northwest Arkansas. To watch the full briefing, click here.