LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Last week, Arkansas saw COVID-19 cases and vaccine distributions trending downward due to the extreme winter weather, which impacted the entire state.
Since the pandemic began almost one year ago, Arkansas has reported over 5,400 COVID-19 deaths, nearly 320,000 cases and over 300,000 recoveries.
Key facts to know:
- 254,030 confirmed cases
- 68,385 probable cases
- 2,939 active confirmed cases
- 1,460 active probable cases
- 4,251 confirmed deaths
- 992 probable deaths
- 455 hospitalizations
- 85 on ventilators
- 246,829 confirmed recoveries
- 65,929 probable recoveries
- 627,733 vaccine doses given
Watch Gov. Hutchinson's announcement here:
Sunday, February 28
In the Sunday COVID-19 report, 288 positive cases have been added since Saturday. Gov. Hutchinson said the total number of new cases reported (3,220) represents a "data clean-up" of adding over 2,900 positive cases from before Feb. 14.
The report also included a removal of duplicate or "reclassified" deaths, which rendered the COVID-19 deaths to be -174 from the previous day's data.
Saturday, February 27
The Arkansas Department of Health reported 557 new COVID-19 cases in the state as well as 10 more deaths.
"There are 557 new COVID-19 cases in Arkansas. Today’s report continues to show encouraging trends in our numbers. It has never been more critical to stay the course & keep our state going in the right direction. I expect vaccine supply to increase again next week," Gov. Hutchinson said on Saturday.
A total of 6,927 PCR tests and 827 antigen tests were completed over the last 24 hours.
So far, Arkansas has administered 629,022 total doses of the vaccine.
Friday, February 26
Gov. Hutchinson made an announcement on the current public health emergency and provide an update regarding COVID-19 directives in Arkansas.
He said he is extending the public health emergency until March 31. This includes important executive orders: Telehealth, business protection, remote learning, etc.
Based upon the progress and stats, the mask mandate will continue but end on March 31 if certain progress is maintained.
The governor also announced that all public health directives that have been issued will be changed to "guidelines." A directive is a mandate like an order and a guidance is a strong recommendation.
The Arkansas Department of Health reported 516 more COVID-19 cases in the state, as well as 10 more deaths.
"As we changed our public health directives to guidance, we must remain vigilant in taking personal responsibility by wearing a mask, washing our hands, and watching our distance. This remains critical to the success of getting on the other side of this virus. We have set our goals for March 31, and let’s keep working for reduced virus cases," Gov. Hutchinson said on Friday.
Thursday, February 25
The Arkansas Department of Health has reported a total of 726 new COVID-19 cases along with 10 new deaths in Arkansas since yesterday.
There was also a rise in hospitalizations by 26, making the total number of people in the hospital with the virus to a total of 522.
Gov. Hutchinson mentioned the anticipated single-dose vaccine from Johnson & Johnson, and that if it were to be approved that "it will provide another tool in our arsenal in the fight against COVID-19."
Wednesday, February 24
The Arkansas Department of Health reported 803 new COVID-19 cases in the state along with 10 more deaths.
"As anticipated, we are receiving additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. By expanding the eligibility of those who can get the vaccine to 65 and older, we will continue to administer these shots as quickly and efficiently as possible. We have decreased our COVID-19 hospitalizations to less than 500, which is a decrease of over 50% since this time last month," Gov. Hutchinson said on Wednesday.
A total of 6,425 PCR tests and 1,193 antigen tests were completed over the last 24 hours.
So far, Arkansas has administered 553,004 total doses of the vaccine.
Watch the weekly update here:
Tuesday, February 23
Gov. Hutchinson announced Arkansas will be lowering the age group for Phase 1-B of the COVID-19 vaccinations distribution. The state is expanding vaccinations to ages 65+, adding 115,000 to those eligible.
The state of Arkansas has received more that 794,000 doses of the #COVID-19 vaccine and has distributed more than 500,000. Arkansas allocation of the COVID-19 vaccine will also be increased by 4,000 doses beginning next week.
The Arkansas Department of Health is reporting 834 new COVID-19 cases, 14 more deaths and a decrease of hospitalizations. This is due to better therapeutics, but also a sign that vaccinations are working, the governor said.
Dr. Jose Romero said the number of deaths among those in long term care facilities is going down. The vaccine appears to be working among that population.
"We are winning, but we need to continue wearing masks, washing our hands, and social distancing," Dr. Romero said.
Monday, February 22
The Arkansas Department of Health is reporting 245 new COVID-19 cases, six more deaths and 588 people currently hospitalized with the virus.
The state has seen a decrease in new cases and testing due to the record temps and snowfall. Governor Asa Hutchinson said in a statement that vaccines and testing numbers should "increase this week with clear roads across the state."
"New and active cases continue to remain lower than we've seen in the past few weeks," he said. "We're distributing vaccine doses throughout the state and encourage those who are eligible to make sure they're signed up."
A total of 1,979 PCR tests and 482 antigen tests were completed over the last 24 hours.
So far, Arkansas has administered 519,240 total doses of the vaccine.
We will update this article daily with the latest COVID-19 numbers and vaccine data.