Governor Asa Hutchinson said Friday that the number of coronavirus cases in the state could surge into the thousands in the coming weeks.
Hutchinson, speaking at a news conference, revealed a statistical projection that shows about 3,500 cases of COVID-19 by mid-April. An estimated 750 people would be hospitalized. That model, which is one of several state officials said they’ve examined, shows the number of cases could peak sometime between late April and early June.
“Our plan is to do all we can to beat the worst-case scenario,” Hutchinson said.
As of Friday afternoon, 381 people had tested positive for the virus and 1,545 had tested negative in Arkansas. Three people had died and 48 had been hospitalized. Thirteen people had recovered.
Additionally, Hutchinson stated that he has authorized 10 additional Arkansas National Guard personnel to help expand the number of hospital beds in the state. He also said the state has requested 500 ventilators to help patients breathe, but it’s not clear how many of the devices the state will actually receive.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is looking at converting War Memorial Stadium and other sites in Little Rock into treatment centers. Arkansas Secretary of Health Dr. Nate Smith said recently-closed hospitals are also being considered.
Arkansas has restricted indoor gatherings to 10 people or fewer to limit the spread of the virus. The state has also banned dine-in services at restaurants and bars.
