UPDATE 1:35 P.M. – Governor Asa Hutchinson says the number of deaths in Arkansas remains at 18 as it has the past two days. No additional deaths have been reported to the State Health Department according to the Governor.
UPDATE 11:45 A.M. – Coroner Chad Kelley has informed Deltaplex Radio that he has sent correspondence to Jefferson Regional requesting any and all information on any COVID-19 deaths. Kelley stated that if there has in fact been a death, the body can not be released until he signs off on it.
Additionally, Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr. says he has not been informed of any deaths at the hospital.
According to the Association of Arkansas Counties Coroner Policies and Procedures, the Coroner, County Sheriff, and City Police Chief are to be notified in the case of a death. As of the time of this update no notification has been made to the coroner, sheriff or police chief.
UPDATE: 8:50 A.M. – Officials at Jefferson Regional have now confirmed to Deltaplex News that a death has taken place, but no other information can be released other than a confirmation of a death.
Coroner Chad Kelley has stated he still has not been informed of a positive COVID-19 death as of this morning. Kelley stated he was informed of a deceased patient who had been tested, but as far as he knows no positive results have returned for the deceased, and his office has not been contacted to remove the body.
This morning’s COVID-19 numbers from the state of Arkansas shows an increase in positive patients, with 1,000 positive cases in the state, however, the numbers do not show an increase in the number of deaths at this time. The number of deaths remain at 18, which is the same number provided this time yesterday. CLICK HERE to view the numbers.
ORIGINAL STORY –
Jefferson County Judge Gerald Robinson reported that Pine Bluff has had its first COVID-19 death at the Quorum Court meeting Tuesday night at the Jefferson County Courthouse.
Robinson stated that he received a text message from a contact at the Arkansas Department of Health informing him of the death, but due to HIPAA regulations no information on the patient’s name, age, or sex could be released.
Jefferson County Coroner Chad Kelley has informed DeltaplexNews.com that he is unaware of any COVID-19 related deaths within the city, and multiple sources inside of Jefferson Regional have also stated they have no knowledge of any deaths related to the virus, and also noted the county coroner would have to be informed of any death related to the virus.
DeltaplexNews.com will continue to monitor this situation, and will update the story as more information becomes available.
