LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Last week, Arkansas reached a total of 250,000 positive cases since the first reported case of COVID-19 in March 2020.
The state also reached the 4,000 mark of deaths by COVID-19 since the pandemic entered the state.
Gov. Hutchinson said the goal to finish Phase 1-A of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution is the end of January. Phase 1-B is expected to begin in February, while Phase 1-C is targeted for April.
Key facts to know:
- 218,968 confirmed cases
- 52,186 probable cases
- 17,789 active confirmed cases
- 7,098 active probable cases
- 3,562 confirmed deaths
- 749 probable deaths
- 1,271 hospitalizations
- 221 on ventilators
- 197,531 confirmed recoveries
- 44,335 probable recoveries
Watch Gov. Hutchinson's weekly COVID-19 update:
Sunday, January 17
The ADH is reporting 976 new COVID-19 cases in Arkansas.
"Today’s number of cases continues to show an improved trend. Following guidelines really does work. Thanks goes to our pharmacies & hospitals as we begin vaccinating portions of Phase 1-B. This is 2 weeks early," Gov. Hutchinson tweeted.
Saturday, January 16
The Arkansas Department of Health is reporting 2,543 new COVID-19 cases, 30 more deaths, and 1,292 people are currently hospitalized.
Since the pandemic began, 4,293 people have died due to the virus in Arkansas.
"There are 2,543 new COVID-19 cases in Arkansas. Our efforts to slow the spread of this virus are so important as we distribute vaccine doses across the state. Thanks to all for following guidelines," Gov. Hutchinson said.
A total of 10,664 PCR tests and 2,171 antigen tests were completed over the last 24 hours.
Friday, January 15
The Arkansas Department of Health is reporting 3,124 new COVID-19 cases, 35 more deaths, and 1,314 people are currently hospitalized.
Since the pandemic began, 4,263 people have died due to the virus in Arkansas.
"While we see nearly 1,700 fewer active cases than this time last week & continue to distribute vaccine doses across the state, we cannot relax our carefulness in fighting the spread of COVID-19. As we move into the first stages of Phase 1-B on Monday, we continue our march toward a heathier, safer Arkansas," Gov. Hutchinson said.
A total of 12,937 PCR tests and 3,757 antigen tests were completed over the last 24 hours.
Thursday, January 14
The Arkansas Department of Health is reporting 2,491 new COVID-19 cases, 42 more deaths, and 1,295 people are currently hospitalized.
Since the pandemic began, 4,228 people have died due to the virus in Arkansas.
"Today's report shows over 800 fewer cases with higher testing than this time last week," Gov. Hutchinson said in a statement. "We also saw a decrease in hospitalizations and ventilator usage. This will relieve some of the strain on our health care system as we continue to distribute vaccine doses."
A total of 12,294 PCR tests and 3,161 antigen tests were completed over the last 24 hours.
Wednesday, January 13
The Arkansas Department of Health is reporting 2,467 new COVID-19 cases, 65 more deaths and 1,362 people are currently hospitalized.
Since the pandemic began, 4,186 people have died due to the virus in Arkansas.
"We continue to see the devastating results of COVID-19 across Arkansas. We lost an additional 65 Arkansans yesterday," Gov. Hutchinson said. "Our efforts to wear a mask, keep our distance, and wash our hands frequently must remain steady as we continue to distribute vaccine doses across the state."
A total of 8,581 PCR tests and 4,778 antigen tests were completed over the last 24 hours.
Tuesday, January 12
The Arkansas Department of Health is reporting 3,209 new COVID-19 cases, 40 more deaths and 1,354 people are currently hospitalized with the virus.
Since the pandemic began, 4,121 Arkansans have died due to the virus.
Pulaski County reported the most new cases with 405 while Sebastian County reported 401 new cases.
A total of 6,358 PCR tests and 4,334 antigen tests were completed over the last 24 hours.
Monday, January 11
With 1,268 new positive COVID-19 cases in the state, Arkansans in the hospital and needing a ventilator due to the virus continues to surge.
The ADH reported 38 more deaths since Sunday; 1,371 hospitalizations and 268 patients on ventilators.
"Today's report of 31 additional hospitalizations will add to the load of our health care workers. The better news in the new cases are starting to slow somewhat. Let's work toward a true downward trend," Gov. Hutchinson said on Monday.
We will update this article with more information as it becomes available.