With the number of positive COVID-19 cases rising in Arkansas on a daily basis Governor Asa Hutchinson on Sunday directed Arkansans to create masks to protect themselves and others when it’s appropriate and social distancing won’t work.
While masks are not always readily available, they can be made from shirts, handkerchief’s, etc.
Arkansas now has 830 known cases of coronavirus. Additionally, 64 counties in Arkansas have confirmed cases. Twenty-seven people are on ventilators and 16 deaths. According to Smith, there are 785 ventilators in Arkansas, 551 are available, and the rest are in use.
Secretary of Health Dr. Nate Smith said the state’s supply of test kits is ok right now, but the situation could change next week with numbers continuing to rise.
“We’re hoping to get more. We had 992 results yesterday alone,” said Smith. “While 11 counties in Arkansas have reported no cases, we’re assuming coronavirus is everywhere. People are advised to closely follow the guidelines.”
The Arkansas Department of Health is reporting Arkansas has had 96 people recover from the virus.
According to Smith, the most conservative model projects 2,000 hospitalized in Arkansas by April 25. Numbers would have to double five times between now and then to hit that number which is unlikely though not impossible. He also said that the state is in a better place than he hoped for us to be two weeks ago.
Hutchinson also said the state can expect unemployment claims in Arkansas to reach 100,000 by the end of this week.
Due to this, the state of Arkansas is partnering with the Arkansas Community Foundation to support the COVID-19 community relief fund.
Entergy Arkansas is donating $100,000 to the Arkansas Community Foundation’s, relief fund. Laura Landreaux, of Entergy Arkansas, also said the company has suspended disconnects for non-payment and their customers should know it will continue to work with them to recover.
Heather Larkin of the Arkansas Community Foundation said that more than $2 million has already been pledged to this relief fund, with all money going to Arkansas non-profits serving Arkansans.
