Gov. Hutchinson announced today that there are 75 new cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas, which brings the total number to 1,695 with 1,065 being active.
There are no deaths to report with the total still at 37. However, eight individuals have been hospitalized since yesterday so the number of individuals hospitalized is 93 now. 23 of those hospitalized are on a ventilator.
To date, 228 healthcare workers and 116 individuals in nursing homes have tested positive for COVID-19.
The Forrest City Federal Correctional Institution has identified seven new cases, so the number of inmates that tested positive is 57. According to Dr. Smith, the CDC will be returning next week to develop a more comprehensive testing strategy.
The Little Rock Community Corrections Center reported three more cases today with the number of inmates infected at 62. 27 staff members have also tested positive, so the total number of individuals infected at the center is 89.
The Veterans Hospital in Little Rock has stepped in to assist with testing in response to the Cummins Prison outbreak and offered to assist in the future if needed. There is currently not an electronic connection between labs, so the data is being entered manually. Dr. Smith reported there being 83 new positives with the total number of individuals infected at 129.
The infection rate in Arkansas is about seven percent based on the positive cases as a percentage of tests performed.
“I think it is another indication in terms of the spread in Arkansas,” Gov. Hutchinson said.
Earlier today, Gov. Hutchinson met with the Medical Advisory Committee to discuss the state’s post-peak COVID-19 response. They hope to meet all the gating criteria for phase one according to the guidelines from the White House by May 4. Arkansas has not yet had a downward trajectory of documented cases within a 14-day period, but the number of new cases per day and hospitalized patients have stabilized. Furthermore, the number of emergency room visits for COVID-19 in Arkansas has downward trend.
“We have more work to do primarily on the cases, but we are at a good position where we need to launch from and what we need to work on,” Gov. Hutchinson said.
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