LITTLE ROCK, Ark — As of Friday, May 8, the Arkansas Department of Health has confirmed a total of 3,747 positive cases.
On Wednesday, April 29, 2,520 COVID-19 tests were performed in Arkansas, with a 1.5% positivity rate. This is the highest number of tests run in one day in the state since March 11.
On Friday, Gov. Hutchinson announced a plan to reopen hair salons and barbershops. We learned on Thursday that gyms will be able to open up starting on Monday, May 4, followed by restaurants the following Monday, May 11.
Key facts to know:
- 3,747 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
- 691 active cases
- 63,994 total tests
- 60,300 negative test results
- 88 reported deaths
- 64 currently hospitalized
- 2,968 recoveries
Watch Friday's 1:30 p.m. press conference:
Friday, May 8
2:00 p.m.
Dr. Nate Smith said the Arkansas Department of Health will allow overnight surgeries up to 48 hours. The state will also allow patients who have more health issues to undergo elective surgical procedures.
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The state also announced during the press conference that it has launched the Arkansas Ready for Business website, which you access at ArkansasReady.com.
The site can be used by businesses in state to get information on what needs to be done, sources for personal protective equipment and other necessary info.
1:30 p.m.
There are 53 new cases since the Arkansas Department of Health's last update on Thursday. That brings the total coronavirus cases in Arkansas to 3,747.
Gov. Hutchinson announced that pools, splash pads, water parks and swim beaches would be allowed to open on May 22.
The following guidelines must be met:
- No entry if fever, symptoms or contact with positive patient
- 50% capacity
- 6-foot physical distancing in all areas
- Fewer entrances to control overcrowding
- Markings to denote social distancing at slides, diving boards, etc.
- Disinfect high touch area frequently
- Move seating areas 6 feet apart
- Test pool chemistry twice a day
- Lifeguard training can begin today
11:45 a.m.
Three employees at the Little Rock School District have tested positive for coronavirus. The district said it has enacted protocols to ensure the safety of all its employees.
Thursday, May 7
6:30 p.m.
The Arkansas Department of Health updated its COVID-19 numbers, confirming a total of 3,694 confirmed cases in the state.
1:30 p.m.
Governor Asa Hutchinson confirms Arkansas is up 97 cases since his press conference on Wednesday, bringing the total to 3,665. Thirty of those cases are in correctional facilities. There are 70 currently hospitalized. Three more have died from COVID-19 since Wednesday, bringing the death toll to 88.
The governor said that if Arkansas does not have a resurgence within the next 14 days, we will be able to enter Phase 2 of reopening the state.
Hutchinson announced Arkansas casinos will be able to reopen at one-third capacity on May 18 with stringent social distancing requirements in place.
"To hear some people talk, it seems like they think you have to choose between saving lives or saving the economy," said Dr. Nate Smith with the Arkansas Department of Health. "I want to say that really is a false choice because, here in Arkansas, we're doing both."
Wednesday, May 6
8 p.m.
The Arkansas Department of Health has updated the state-wide COVID-19 numbers, confirming a total of 3,611 positive cases throughout the state, which is a 48 case jump since this afternoon's press briefing.
We will update this article with new information as it becomes available.