(03/26/20) Arkansas cases up to 335; Garland County total at 18 The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state is up to 335 from yesterday’s total of 280. The total number of confirmed cases in Garland County is at 18, up two from yesterday.
There are a total of 41 COVID-19 patients who are hospitalized, up from 12 yesterday. Arkansas Department of Health Director Nate Smith shared that the primary reason for the increase in this total is due to a change in the way ADH is collecting information from the hospitals. The number of patients who have required use of a ventilator is up to 13, from yesterday’s total of four. Smith accredited this increase in the new data collection process, as well. There has been an additional death as a result of COVID-19, bringing the total loss of life from the virus in the state to three. Of the total number of cases, 14 are children (ages 18 and younger), 213 are adults (ages 19-64) and 108 are older adults (65 and older).
The Governor shared that the directive to cessation of all indoor social gatherings of 10 or more is complete and enacted.
The Governor also announced a $116 million emergency plan in response to this pandemic, with financial assistance being provided to rural hospitals, independent primary care physicians, healthcare workers, training and stimulus for telemedicine, and more. The plan calls for the federal government paying all but $25 million, with the remainder of the funds coming from Arkansas’ Medicare budget.