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Gov. Hutchinson says no plan to release prisoners during coronavirus pandemic

As of Monday, the Arkansas Department of Health has confirmed 854 positive COVID-19 cases throughout the state.

As of Monday, the Arkansas Department of Health has confirmed 854 positive COVID-19 cases throughout the state.

Key facts to know:

  • 854 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas 
  • 12,824 total tests
  • 11,970 negative test results
  • 16 reported deaths
  • 102 recoveries
  • All public schools are closed until April 17

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RELATED: Here's when the COVID-19 pandemic could peak in Arkansas

Watch Sunday's 1:30 p.m. press conference here: 

Sunday, April 5

6:55 p.m.

The Arkansas Department of Health updated the COVID-19 test numbers, confirming there are now 853 positive cases in the state. That is a 23 case jump since the press conference at 1:30 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

Gov. Hutchinson said that there isn't a plan yet to release any prisoners because of the coronavirus pandemic.

He said that although some counties have taken such measures, he doesn't see a need for the entire state yet.

If it changes, Hutchinson said the state will make a judgment, but there's not a way to release violent offenders "and many others."

Dr. Smith said prisons in state are currently separating parts of the population that have symptoms. He said they need to do a whole lot more testing of prisoners and the staff.

1:45 p.m.

Dr. Nate Smith said there have been two additional deaths related to COVID-19, bringing the total to 16.

Hutchinson announced that the State of Arkansas will be partnering with the Arkansas Community Foundation to support a COVID-19 Relief Fund.

He requested that Arkansans donate to this fund "to help other Arkansans."

Heather Larkin with the Arkansas Community Foundation said businesses have pledged or donated $2 million. Some businesses include Walmart, Tyson Foods, Wingate and more.

To donate, you can go to arcf.org/covid19.

Entergy announced that it would temporarily suspend disconnects due to non-payments and will pledge $100,000 to the relief fund. READ MORE: Entergy Arkansas announces temporary relief from disconnection due to COVID-19 outbreak

1:30 p.m.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson said there are a total of 830 positive COVID-19 cases in the state, including 14 new cases at a correctional facility in Forrest City.

Hutchinson said projections showed the state at 2,000, saying that the 830 cases are an "indication that we beat that trend line."

"We're in a battle in our nation and our state against this virus that clearly kills people," Hutchinson said.

11:30 a.m.

The Arkansas Department of Health updated its website to report there are now 819 positive COVID-19 cases in Arkansas.

A total of 11,143 people have been tested in the state with 10,324 tests coming back negative.

The following counties have at least one confirmed case of COVID-19:

  • Arkansas County
  • Ashley County
  • Baxter County
  • Benton County
  • Boone County
  • Bradley County
  • Carroll County
  • Chicot County
  • Clark County
  • Cleburne County
  • Cleveland County
  • Columbia County
  • Conway County 
  • Craighead County
  • Crawford County
  • Crittenden County
  • Cross County
  • Dallas County
  • Desha County
  • Drew County
  • Faulkner County
  • Garland County
  • Grant County
  • Greene County
  • Hempstead County
  • Hot Spring County
  • Howard County
  • Independence County
  • Jefferson County
  • Johnson County
  • Lafayette County
  • Lawrence County
  • Lee County
  • Lincoln County
  • Lonoke County
  • Miller County
  • Mississippi County
  • Monroe County
  • Nevada County
  • Newton County
  • Ouachita County
  • Perry County
  • Phillips County
  • Pike County
  • Poinsett County
  • Polk County
  • Pope County
  • Prairie County
  • Pulaski County
  • Randolph County
  • Saline County
  • Scott County
  • Searcy County
  • Sebastian County
  • Sevier County
  • Sharp County
  • St. Francis County
  • Stone County
  • Union County
  • Van Buren County
  • Washington County
  • White County
  • Woodruff County
  • Yell County

We will continue to update this article with new information as it becomes available.

RELATED: Current timeline of the coronavirus pandemic in Arkansas

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