The number of positive tests for the novel coronavirus remained at 22 in Arkansas on Tuesday, state health officials said.
Cases of the virus have been confirmed in eight counties: Pulaski, Saline, Garland, Cleburne, Jefferson, Cleveland, Lincoln and Desha.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson said in a news conference in West Memphis that the number of cases is likely to increase. There were 41 patients under investigation for the virus, meaning they were showing symptoms and have risk factors such as travel to an infected area. The Arkansas Department of Health was monitoring 310 other people.
All public schools in Arkansas closed today for two weeks to limit the spread of the virus. Hutchinson said they are scheduled to reopen March 30.
Hutchinson said Tuesday that he’s directed state officials to expedite the process for obtaining unemployment benefits for workers affected by the virus. The state has waived the in-person application requirement and is accepting applications through the Department of Workforce Services website.
The state has also made benefits immediately available. Normally there’s a one-week delay.
