LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — On Monday, Arkansas began Phase 1B of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout. This group includes Arkansans who are aged 70 and older, along with education, including higher education and child care. Later in Phase 1B, Gov. Hutchinson said the vaccine will be available to essential workers.
Last week, Arkansas reached nearly 4,300 deaths by COVID-19 since the pandemic began.
Key facts to know:
- 227,828 confirmed cases
- 56,238 probable cases
- 13,816 active confirmed cases
- 5,579 active probable cases
- 3,758 confirmed deaths
- 848 probable deaths
- 1,080 hospitalizations
- 170 on ventilators
- 210,227 confirmed recoveries
- 49,807 probable recoveries
Watch weekly COVID-19 update here:
Sunday, January 24
The Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,071 new COVID-19 cases in Arkansas along with 43 more deaths since Saturday.
Saturday, January 23
The Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,613 new COVID-19 cases in Arkansas along with 14 more deaths since Friday.
There are currently 1,094 people hospitalized with COVID-19 and 184 on ventilators.
"We continue to see a declining number of new cases, and today we have 48 fewer hospitalized. Let’s work hard to keep our trend going in the right direction. It takes all of us to follow the guidelines & to be successful," Gov. Hutchinson said.
Friday, January 22
The Arkansas Department of Health reported 2,162 new COVID-19 cases in Arkansas along with 53 more deaths since Wednesday.
There are currently 1,142 people hospitalized with COVID-19 and 193 on ventilators.
"Today's report shows a decrease of nearly 1,000 new cases compared to the same day last week. There were also over 16,500 tests administered yesterday. If we can keep our new cases on the decline, then our deaths will reduce as well, and this is one goal we can all unite behind," Gov. Hutchinson said.
Thursday, January 21
The Arkansas Department of Health saw another spike in cases as they reported 3,106 new COVID-19 cases in Arkansas along with 55 more deaths since Wednesday.
There are currently 1,160 people hospitalized with COVID-19 and 195 on ventilators.
"The increase in new cases is disappointing & a reminder that we cannot let up in following the public health guidelines. Our vaccines are getting into the arms of Arkansans, but remember, we are totally dependent upon the supply that comes from manufacturers. Right now it is limited," Gov. Hutchinson said on Thursday.
Wednesday, January 20
The Arkansas Department of Health reported 2,250 new COVID-19 cases in Arkansas along with 55 more deaths since Tuesday.
Hospitalizations in the state from COVID-19 has seen a record low since Dec. 30 with a total of 1,179 Arkansans in the hospital with the virus.
"We again saw a decrease in active cases across the state today. This is the fourth consecutive day of a decline, and we have over 4,700 fewer active cases than this time last week. It's up to each of us to ensure we stay on this trend and defeat this virus," Gov. Hutchinson said on Wednesday.
Tuesday, January 19
1:30 p.m.
The Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,331 new COVID-19 cases in Arkansas along with 43 deaths since Monday.
Dr Romero said they are actively looking to see if new COVID-19 variant is in Arkansas. He said they've sent eight specimens to the CDC and are waiting on results. He also said this variant is 50-70% more transmissible.
Education Secretary Johnny Key announced a Statewide Community Resource Portal to provide food security, clothing, and support to help students and families get the help they need. You can find that website here.
Gov. Hutchinson urged residents to "rethink" their Super Bowl party plans in light of the ongoing pandemic.
11 a.m.
Reports confirmed Rep. Keith Slape informed the Speaker on Tuesday, Jan. 19 that he tested positive for COVID-19.
Monday, January 18
The Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,109 new COVID-19 cases in Arkansas along with 32 deaths since Sunday.
"Today is a critical step as we move into phase 1-B of vaccination. This will allow Arkansans aged 70 and older and education workers to receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine," Gov. Hutchinson said Monday.
We will update this article with more information as it becomes available.