LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Gov. Asa Hutchinson said the lower case numbers reported on Dec. 26 were expected due to the holiday, but "the real test will be over the next two weeks."
Last week was a historic week across the country and in Arkansas. The first shipments and immunizations of the COVID-19 vaccine have been distributed and administered. The ADH also reported a new record-high of COVID-19 cases in a single day for the state, which was 3,039.
Around 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said that an agreement has been reached on a nearly $900 billion coronavirus relief package. It includes a vast number of elements, including funding for the Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses, vaccine delivery, and another round of stimulus checks via direct payments to Americans.
Key facts to know:
- 180,289 confirmed cases
- 34,588 probable cases
- 16,083 active confirmed cases
- 5,371 active probable cases
- 2,976 confirmed deaths
- 506 probable deaths
- 1,093 hospitalizations
- 186 on ventilators
- 161,207 confirmed recoveries
- 28,708 probable recoveries
Watch Weekly COVID-19 update here:
Sunday, Dec. 27
The Arkansas Department of Health is reporting 908 new COVID-19 cases, 41 more deaths and 1,093 current hospitalizations.
A total of 5,456 PCR tests and 2,362 antigen tests were completed over the last 24 hours.
Gov. Hutchinson said that 25 of the 41 deaths are "delayed reporting" from November.
Nearly 1,000 deaths due to COVID-19 have been reported in December.
Saturday, Dec. 26
The Arkansas Department of Health reports 702 new COVID-19 cases in the state and three more deaths.
Of the new cases, 660 are confirmed and 42 are probable. All 3 deaths are confirmed.
There were 7,707 PCR and 697 antigen tests administered within the last 24 hours.
Friday, Dec. 25
The Arkansas Department of Health is reporting 2,122 new COVID-19 cases in the state and 32 more deaths since yesterday.
Of the new cases, 1,840 are confirmed and 282 are probable. Of the deaths, 13 are confirmed and 19 are probable.
There have been 14,019 PCR tests and 1,263 antigen tests administered within the last 24 hours.
Thursday, Dec. 24
The Arkansas Department of Health is reporting 3,204 new COVID-19 cases in the state, 30 more deaths, and 1,093 current hospitalizations.
Wednesday, Dec. 23
The Arkansas Department of Health is reporting 2,893 new COVID-19 cases in the state, 38 more deaths and another record of 1,110 current hospitalizations.
A total of 8,604 PCR tests and 3,697 antigen tests were completed over the last 24 hours.
"Today's high number of cases is concerning as we're two days away from Christmas," Gov. Hutchinson said. "This is frequently a time to gather with our family in large groups, but this year that presents an increased risk of spreading COVID-19, so let’s plan with our safety guidelines in mind. Please protect yourself and your family."
Below are today’s statewide hospitalization numbers as reported to us by hospitals and as of 2 p.m.:
- Current hospitalizations: 1,110
- Total Beds: 8,942
- Total Beds Available: 2,226
- Total ICU Beds: 1,154
- Total ICU Beds Available: 62
- Total Vents: 1,078
- Total Vents Available: 656
- Total Covid patients in ICU: 341
- Total Covid patients on vents: 174
Tuesday, Dec. 22
The Arkansas Department of Health is reporting 1,941 new COVID-19 cases, 43 more deaths and a new record of current hospitalizations at 1,103.
A total of 7,169 PCR tests and 4,010 antigen tests were completed over the last 24 hours.
Below are today’s statewide hospitalization numbers as reported to us by hospitals and as of 2 p.m.:
- Current hospitalizations: 1,103
- Total Beds: 8,935
- Total Beds Available: 2,175
- Total ICU Beds: 1,154
- Total ICU Beds Available: 51
- Total Vents: 1,081
- Total Vents Available: 665
- Total Covid patients in ICU: 353
- Total Covid patients on vents: 173
Monday, Dec. 21
The Arkansas Department of Health has reported a total of 58 deaths from the virus and 1,457 new positive COVID cases since yesterday.
Sunday, Dec. 20
Below are the statewide hospitalization numbers from the weekend as reported to us by hospitals and as of 2 p.m.:
- Current hospitalizations: 1,057
- Total Beds: 8,983
- Total Beds Available: 2,188
- Total ICU Beds: 1,154
- Total ICU Beds Available: 48
- Total Vents: 1,072
- Total Vents Available: 679
- Total Covid patients in ICU: 342
- Total Covid patients on vents: 170