LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas — While the state of Arkansas deals with winter weather, COVID-19 cases are trending downward as more and more people are getting vaccinated.
Since the pandemic began almost one year ago, Arkansas has reported over 5,300 COVID-19 deaths, over 315,000 cases and over 300,000 recoveries.
Key facts to know:
- 249,652 confirmed cases
- 65,862 probable cases
- 3,849 active confirmed cases
- 1,821 active probable cases
- 4,306 confirmed deaths
- 1,051 probable deaths
- 577 hospitalizations
- 114 on ventilators
- 241,474 confirmed recoveries
- 62,986 probable recoveries
- 515,183 vaccine doses given
Watch weekly COVID-19 update here:
Sunday, February 21st
The Arkansas Department of Health reported a total of 284 new COVID-19 cases in the state and 9 more deaths.
"Today’s report shows the largest increase in vaccine distribution in over a week, with an increase of more than 9,500 doses. Our efforts to catch up on vaccine distribution this weekend are working," Gov. Hutchinson said on Sunday.
Saturday, February 20th
The Arkansas Department of Health reported a total of 284 new COVID-19 cases in the state and 12 more deaths as winter weather throughout the south slows COVID-19 testing and vaccine distribution.
"There are 517 new COVID-19 cases in Arkansas. Yesterday showed an increase in vaccine distribution compared to the day before. I expect this trend to continue with roads clearing throughout the state and our weekend vaccination catch-up," said Gov. Hutchinson on Saturday.
Friday, February 19th
The Arkansas Department of Health reported a total of 268 new COVID-19 cases in the state and 13 more deaths as winter weather throughout the south slows COVID-19 testing and vaccine distribution.
"Our vaccine distribution has slowed over the past week because of the extreme weather. Thank you to all who are distributing vaccines with extended hours during the Weekend Vaccination Catch-up. As soon as we get our 70-plus largely vaccinated, then we can move to other priorities," Gov. Hutchinson said on Friday.
Thursday, February 18th
The Arkansas Department of Health reported a total of 253 new COVID-19 cases in the state and 10 more deaths as winter weather throughout the south slows COVID-19 testing and vaccine distribution.
"Our vaccine numbers have slowed over the past few days, and we anticipate these numbers to increase once the roads clear up throughout the state. We hope that vaccine uptake will continue among those who are eligible. I ask that, once it's your turn, you roll up your sleeve and help protect your community," Gov. Hutchinson said.
Wednesday, February 17th
The Arkansas Department of Health reported a total of 667 new COVID-19 cases in the state and 26 more deaths.
"We once again saw a decrease in testing yesterday, which was impacted by the weather. We received an additional 18,525 vaccine doses yesterday, and we will continue to administer these doses as quickly as possible. Please continue to take necessary precautions against COVID-19 and limit road travel as much as possible," Gov. Hutchinson said on Wednesday.
Tuesday, February 16th
The Arkansas Department of Health reported a total of 177 new COVID-19 cases in the state and 12 more deaths.
According to Gov. Hutchinson, testing has decreased due to the severe winter weather.
Gov. Hutchinson gave a directive update for indoor and outdoor events: A plan approval is required for events with more than 100 attendees. It was previously 10 attendees.
The amount of active cases continues to drastically decrease along with a continue decrease in hospitalizations.
Monday, February 15th
The Arkansas Department of Health reported a total of 320 new COVID-19 cases in the state and 10 more deaths. According to Gov. Hutchinson, testing has decreased due to the severe winter weather.
"Please limit travel, keep yourself safe, and remember to take necessary precautions against COVID-19," Hutchinson said.
A total of 3,896 PCR tests and 543 antigen tests were completed over the last 24 hours.
We will update this article daily with the latest COVID-19 numbers and vaccine data.