Arkansas cases up to 280; Garland County is at 16

(03/25/20) Arkansas cases up to 280; Garland County is at 16  At Governor Asa Hutchinson’s daily COVID-19 press conference today, March 25, the total number of confirmed positive cases in Arkansas was updated to 280, up 62 cases from yesterday. The number of cases in Garland County has risen to 16. Of the statewide cases, 13 are children (ages 18 and younger); 173 are adults (19-64); and 94 are older adults (ages 65 and older). There are currently 12 COVID-19 patients who are hospitalized, with four on ventilators. A total of 11 confirmed cases have met the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) criteria to be considered recovered. Also shared at the press conference:

• In preparation for a possible exhaustion of the state’s healthcare professionals as coronavirus cases continue to rise, the Governor shared that the licensing process for doctors and nurses has been expedited.
• The Governor also urged the public to abide by the guidance of the ADH to limit indoor gatherings to 10 or fewer people and to maintain a minimum of six feet social distance at all times. Verbiage for an official statewide directive is being drafted to turn this guidance into an official order.
• There have also been an unprecedented number of unemployment claims in the state, the Governor reported.
• ADH Director Nate Smith encouraged everyone to take time to reach out by phone, social media or other means to neighbors, friends, family, and particularly older Arkansans who are staying safe in their homes but who might be suffering from loneliness, anxiety and depression.
• Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Col. Nathaniel Todd shared that the five VA healthcare locations in the state are ready with testing capabilities for any veterans who call, go through the screening process and are determined to be at risk and in need of COVID-19 testing.