LITTLE ROCK, Ark — Arkansas has reported over 4,800 deaths from the coronavirus since the first case was reported in March of 2020.
Last week, 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.
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.
Key facts to know:
- 235,668 confirmed cases
- 59,600 probable cases
- 12,081 active confirmed cases
- 5,073 active probable cases
- 3,915 confirmed deaths
- 953 probable deaths
- 913 hospitalizations
- 148 on ventilators
- 219,646 confirmed recoveries
- 53,570 probable recoveries
Watch weekly COVID-19 update here:
Sunday, January 31
According to the Arkansas Department of Health, there was an increase of 881 new COVID-19 cases throughout the state and 30 new deaths from the virus.
"The past week has shown steady declines, but we cannot allow this to let us become complacent and lose the progress we’ve made," Gov. Hutchinson said Sunday.
Saturday, January 30
Arkansas has reported a total of 1,824 new COVID-19 cases in the last day and seven more deaths from the virus.
"There are 1,824 new COVID-19 cases in Arkansas. This is higher than we want, but it is good news to have fewer hospitalizations and a significantly reduced number of new deaths. In January we tested over 400,000 Arkansans. That is equivalent to over 10% of our population," Gov. Hutchinson said on Saturday.
Friday, January 29
Arkansas has reported a total of 1,707 new COVID-19 cases in the last day and 47 more deaths from the virus.
"Today we saw a decrease of over 450 new cases from this time last week. We have also distributed over 84,000 doses of vaccine in the past week. With a decline in hospitalizations, we remind ourselves that watching our distance and wearing a mask does make a difference. Please keep the guidelines in mind as we go into the weekend,” said Gov. Hutchinson on Friday.
Thursday, January 28
Arkansas has reported a total of 1,892 new COVID-19 cases in the last day and 42 more deaths from the virus.
"Today's report shows over 1,200 fewer cases with higher testing than last week. The decline, as well as a decrease in active cases, shows good trends, but another day of over 40 deaths reminds us that this virus is still present in all corners of the state. We continue to work to slow the spread," Gov. Hutchinson said on Thursday.
Wednesday, January 27
Arkansas has reported a total of 1,777 new COVID-19 cases in the last day and 52 more deaths from the virus.
"There are over 700 fewer new cases and over 2,700 fewer active cases than this time last week. Our vaccine distribution efforts remain a top priority while we gradually receive additional doses. The steps we are taking to slow this virus appear to be having an effect. We cannot relax from following health department guidance," Gov. Hutchinson said on Wednesday.
Tuesday, January 26
1:30 p.m.
Gov. Hutchinson said Arkansas is making progress with vaccine distribution every day. According to the NYT, Arkansas is ranked #10 in percent of the population vaccinated.
The "best news" Gov. Hutchinson said is the 7-day rolling average. "We're making progress, and that's the key thing."
According to the Arkansas Department of Health, there was an increase of 2,485 new COVID-19 cases throughout the state and 40 new deaths from the virus.
Dr. Jennifer Dillaha, state epidemiologist says Arkansas has Pfizer & Moderna vaccines. "We want to emphasize they are safe, and they work," she said.
Monday, January 25
According to the Arkansas Department of Health, there was an increase of 636 new COVID-19 cases throughout the state and 44 new deaths from the virus.
"While we saw a significant decline in new cases, our testing was also lower. An additional 44 deaths and a slight increase in hospitalizations remind us of the challenge we continue to face with this pandemic and what happens if we don't follow health department guidelines," Gov. Hutchinson said Monday.
We will update this article with more information as it becomes available.