Gov. Asa Hutchinson reported that the state of Arkansas has more recovered cases than new cases today at his daily COVID-19 press conference.
There are 81 new positive cases, bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases in Arkansas to 3,492. However, 1,884 of those cases are considered active and 1,249 individuals have recovered, 103 more than yesterday.
Hospitalizations have declined by 11, bringing the total 93. There are 18 individuals on a ventilator. There are seven new deaths with the total being 59. One-third of the deaths have been nursing home residents. Currently, 219 nursing home residents and 128 staff members have tested positive for COVID-19. 340 healthcare workers have tested positive as well. 1,115 tests were conducted yesterday and had a 3.8 percent positivity rate.
There are no new positive cases at the Cummins Unit or other correctional facilities in the state. However, 11 inmates from Cummins have been hospitalized with 3 on a ventilator. One inmate is at the field hospital in the Cummins Unit, three are at University of Arkansas for Medical Science and seven are at Jefferson Regional Medical Center.
As of today, 194 individuals are working on case investigations in contact tracing. Of that total, 85 are Arkansas Department of Health nurses, 16 are disease intervention specialists, three are epidemiologists, 56 are other Arkansas Department of Health who have been trained and 25 members of the UAMS College of Public Health.
There are an additional 60 to 70 individuals from the Arkansas Department of Health who have been trained and are waiting on the tools to begin. 125 to 150 College of Public Health students are expected to begin as volunteers after they have completed training within the next few weeks.
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