LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — The number of coronavirus cases in Arkansas has risen to 30 and includes the first one in the state’s northwest, authorities said Wednesday.
The Department of Health announced the eight new cases on its website. Gov. Asa Hutchinson and state Health Secretary Dr. Nathaniel Smith planned a news conference early Wednesday afternoon.
For most people, the coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
The vast majority of people recover from the virus, which causes the disease called COVID-19. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.
One of the new cases is in Fayetteville, the city’s mayor and the Washington County judge announced earlier Wednesday.
Arkansas’ public schools have been closed until March 30 because of the outbreak. Hutchinson on Tuesday announced he was also easing restrictions on seeking unemployment.
