Aug. 3, 2020 2:10 p.m. — During today's daily COVID-19 update, Gov. Hutchinson reported the state has 44,597 positive cases, an increase of 787 from yesterday. Of those, 6 are in correctional facilities. Hospitalizations decreased by 2 for a total of 513. Arkansas has 475 deaths related to the coronavirus, an increase of 11.
In the last 24 hours, 6,357 tests were conducted. Arkansas completed 194,836 tests in the month of July, which is short of the governor's goal of 200,000. For the month of August, Gov. Hutchinson is setting a goal of completing 190,000 tests and 10,000 antigen tests for a total of 200,000 tests or about 6 percent of the state's population. The governor also announced the state has received 100 new antigen testing machines and 100 more have been ordered. He said they will be assigned to local health units where priority for the quick turnaround tests will be given to K-12 students and teachers free of charge.
Acting Health Secretary Dr. Jose Romero reported the state has 6,882 active cases. Another 664 Arkansans have recovered, bringing that total to 37,240. There are 108 patients on ventilators, two more than yesterday. The top 5 counties with the highest number of new cases are Sebastian County with 87, Washington County with 66, Pulaski County with 54, Benton County with 42 and Logan County with 37.
Dr. Romero also stressed the importance of getting a flu vaccine this year. He said officials don't know what things will look like with the confluence of flu season during the pandemic. However, Dr. Romero says they do know there is pressure on emergency rooms during flu season and that could complicate things for hospitals still trying to treat COVID-19 patients. Dr. Romero said he will continue reminding the public about the flu vaccine periodically.
You can watch the entire daily briefing here.