LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Last week, Gov. Hutchinson said Arkansas is making progress with vaccine distribution every day. According to the New York Times, Arkansas is ranked #10 in percent of the population vaccinated.
Dr. Jennifer Dillaha, state epidemiologist said Arkansas has both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
"We want to emphasize they are safe, and they work," she said.
In January, over 400,000 Arkansans were tested for COVID-19. That is equivalent to over 10% of Arkansas's population.
Key facts to know:
- 243,874 confirmed cases
- 62,862 probable cases
- 11,549 active confirmed cases
- 4,775 active probable cases
- 4,054 confirmed deaths
- 1,022 probable deaths
- 781 hospitalizations
- 126 on ventilators
- 228,245 confirmed recoveries
- 57,061 probable recoveries
Watch weekly update here:
Sunday, February 7
According to the Arkansas Department of Health, there was an increase of 673 new COVID-19 cases throughout the state and 15 new deaths from the virus.
Saturday, February 6
According to the Arkansas Department of Health, there was an increase of 1,341 new COVID-19 cases throughout the state and 11 new deaths from the virus.
"There are 1,341 new COVID-19 cases in Arkansas. This is nearly 500 fewer new cases than this time last week. Our hospitalizations declined again, with 58 fewer than yesterday’s report. Let’s ensure we’re doing our part so these trends continue," Gov. Hutchinson said on Saturday.
Friday, February 5
According to the Arkansas Department of Health, there was an increase of 1,824 new COVID-19 cases throughout the state and 41 new deaths from the virus.
"We are continuing to increase our vaccine administration efforts across the state, with over 22,000 reported yesterday. This week, we have seen over 85,000 doses administered, which is an increase of nearly 30%. It's critical each of us follow department of health guidance this weekend to protect ourselves, our friends, and our families," said Gov. Hutchinson on Friday.
Thursday, February 4
According to the Arkansas Department of Health, there was an increase of 2,469 new COVID-19 cases throughout the state and 24 new deaths from the virus.
"The best news today is that our hospitalizations decreased by 69; but it is disappointing that our deaths because of COVID-19 have now exceeded 5,000 Arkansans. Our heart goes out to those families who have lost loved ones. All of this is a reminder that our actions make a difference," Gov. Hutchinson said on Thursday.
Wednesday, February 3
According to the Arkansas Department of Health, there was an increase of 2,426 new COVID-19 cases throughout the state and 46 new deaths from the virus.
Unlike previous days, Arkansas saw an increase in hospitalizations once again.
"Today's report shows an increase in new cases from last week, but we still show a decrease in active cases from last week. Our vaccination efforts continue to progress, with over 15,600 additional doses administered yesterday. We have been trending in the right direction, and we all need to wear a mask, watch our distance, and wash our hands to ensure that trend continues," Gov. Hutchinson said on Wednesday.
Tuesday, February 2
According to the Arkansas Department of Health, there was an increase of 1,510 new COVID-19 cases throughout the state and 44 new deaths from the virus.
Arkansas also saw another day with a decrease in hospitalizations.
"That continues to be good news," Gov. Hutchinson said referring to the hospitalization decrease.
Gov. Hutchinson announced Tuesday he will not be extending the curfew. The measure was originally put in place by health authorities to combat the spread of COVID-19.
The governor also said Arkansas will receive 5% more COVID-19 vaccines in coming weeks. He said Walmart will receive 10,000 vaccines on Feb. 11 to begin distributing from 60 stores statewide.
Dr. Romero said the Arkansas Department of Health doesn't know if the new variants are in the state, but he suspects they are.
"We just haven't found them yet," he said. He encouraged everyone to take the vaccine when it's offered. "It's safe. It's been studied. They are effective."
Monday, February 1
According to the Arkansas Department of Health, there was an increase of 1,226 new COVID-19 cases throughout the state and 27 new deaths from the virus.
"We are seeing the effects of our combined efforts of vaccine distribution, mask wearing, and social distancing. Some positive trends have started to emerge, but we cannot use this as a reason to relax in following the guidelines,” Gov. Hutchinson said Monday.
So far, Arkansas has given out a total 310,513 vaccine doses to eligible people. That accounts for nearly 60% of the allocated amount given to the state.
Arkansas is currently in the first part of Phase 1B. That means people 70 or older and education workers are now eligible to received the vaccination.
We will update this article with more information as it becomes available.