Arkansas COVID-19 cases up to 4,463

(05/15/20) Arkansas COVID-19 cases up to 4,463 The following stats were shared Friday at Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s daily COVID-19 news conference in Little Rock and posted on the Arkansas Department of Health’s website:

• 4,463 total confirmed cases, up 97 from 4,366 on Friday.
• 975 active cases, up 47 from Thursday.
• 3,390 recoveries, up 50 from Thursday.
• 98 deaths, no change from Thursday.
• 65 cases requiring hospitalization, down four from Thursday.
• 9 cases on a ventilator, down one from Thursday.
• 118 cases in Garland County, down three from Thursday.
• 112 recoveries in Garland County, down three from Thursday.
• 1 death in Garland County, no change from Thursday.

Of the 97 new cases, 18 were from correctional facilities and 79 were from the community. Of the 975 active cases, 322 were from correctional facilities, 102 were from nursing homes and 551 were from the community. There were a total of 2,669 test reports received since yesterday, and there was a 2.5% positivity rate.

As of Thursday, testing numbers are well on the way to reach the 60,000 goal for the month of May.

Testing for elective surgeries is still recommended after 48 hours of the procedure. If not feasible, can still be tested after 72 hours of the procedure.

The Governor announced a new visual map, located at near the bottom of ar.gov/covid, to help individuals locate nearby testing locations. Beginning Monday, all local health units (almost 70 units) will be open and offer COVID-19 testing for individuals with or without symptoms.

Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism (ADPHT) Stacy Hurst announced today, May 15, State Park immediate re-openings with precautions for lodges and cabins and marinas.

At 5 p.m. today, the East and West Summit trails at Pinnacle Mountain, as well as, the Highway 300 Day Use Area, the Base, the Kingfisher and a portion of the Ouachita trails will also be opened. There will be limited parking within the designated State Parks parking areas with unformed officers enforcing a safe, physical distances for guests.

Tuesday, May 19, the Ozark Folk Center Craft Village will be opened.

Subject to legislative approval, Arkansas was awarded almost $500,000 funds through the National Endowment for the Arts, which will be sub-granted by the Arkansas Art Council to 501(c) 3 nonprofit organizations. For more information on the grant applications, visit https://www.arkansasarts.org/