The Arkansas Department of Health is now reporting the confirmed cases of coronavirus has jumped from 118 cases on Saturday to 165 cases Sunday.
Additionally, there are 119 people under investigation for the virus, 517 people who are being monitored due to an identified risk, and 711 negative test results have been returned.
This is the single biggest one-day jump in coronavirus cases in Arkansas.
Additionally, 44 nursing home workers and residents have now tested positive for coronavirus in Arkansas. Briarwood Nursing Home and Rehab in Little Rock had six of its staff tested positive. Of the 44 tested at nursing homes, 35 residents are from Briarwood.
“We want that number to rise. That means we are locating and isolating cases across the state, which slows the spread of the virus,” said Governor Asa Hutchinson.
The governor adjusts a letter from a chemical manufacturing business in El Dorado, who shares they’ve been following all the governors guidelines, from cleaning to safety of employees. Hutchinson said all businesses in the state should operate this way.
He said that businesses that are open in Arkansas should screen their employees, distance their employees, and keep their facilities clean.
“We’ve received 25% of the personal protective equipment we’ve requested from the federal government. After that runs out, we are on our own,” Hutchinson said Sunday. “We’re looking internationally, and we’re looking to make our own.”
Additionally, nearly 10,000 Arkansans have filed unemployment claims with the governor saying “our system wasn’t designed for this. ”
The state has seen an increase in “rogue tests” and medical supplies- people are taking advantage of the pandemic with fake coronavirus testing. Officials recommend being more alert for those incidents.
Dr. Nate Smith announced that $400,000 has been set aside for public education, much of which will focus on telling Arkansans what they need to know about coronavirus as the state continues to navigate the outbreak .
UAMS will start COVID-19 testing on Monday. The hotline for filing unemployment goes live Monday.
The state’s unemployment benefits website will soon be available 24/7 with a free hotline opening Monday at 1-844-908-2178.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson said Saturday that the number of confirmed coronavirus cases is not expected to peak for another six to eight weeks. He is set to offer updates on the state’s efforts to combat the virus Sunday afternoon.
The vast majority of people who contract the virus recover within weeks. It causes only mild or moderate symptoms for most people, but it can lead to more severe illness, including pneumonia, especially in older adults and people with preexisting health problems.
