Open Modal

Governor’s COVID-19 update for Sunday: one new death, no new hospitalizations, more recoveries reported

news-generic-graphic-2020-2

At Sunday’s update on the COVID-19 situation in Arkansas, Gov. Asa Hutchinson first acknowledged Saturday’s tornado in Jonesboro. The governor said he would be going to Jonesboro directly following the briefing to see the damage first-hand, and he would be working with federal officials to ensure more help was on the way.

Health officials noted that any shelter put in place in Jonesboro needs to screen those entering about by asking about recent travels, taking temperatures of all who enter, and separating those with underlying conditions susceptible to coronavirus.

Regarding the latest COVID-19 news in Arkansas, the statewide death total on Sunday was up one, bringing the total overall deaths in Arkansas to 6. The victim was over the age of 65.

There have been no new hospitalizations reported in the state as of Sunday, and no new counties were added to the list of those with the coronavirus. The governor emphasized that while it was still early, COVID-19 cases are not accelerating as fast in Arkansas in comparison to other states, which he found “encouraging.”

This might be an indication that Arkansans are taking guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) seriously, according to officials. And Hutchinson said state residents need to “keep the course.”

In other news from Sunday’s briefing:

  • As of 2 p.m., the governor reported positive test cases have risen to 426 — up 23 from Saturday. And out of the 3,448 tested, negative tests are up to 3,027.
  • Sixty-seven of the 426 positive cases have been health care workers.
  • There have been 28 recoveries — that’s up four recoveries from Saturday’s statistics.
  • Hutchinson applauded J.B. Hunt and FedEx for their assistance in getting PPE orders to the state, and he is working with multiple sources for help securing more reagent to speed up testing across Arkansas. The governor did say he hoped to have positive news regarding testing at Monday’s briefing.
  • Health Director Dr. Nate Smith encouraged Arkansans to keep practicing the CDC guidelines, particularly when families go to the grocery store. Smith recommended that, if possible, limiting the number of family members going to shop at grocery stores, and keeping the recommended social distancing while in lines.

***

The new White River Now mobile app has started featuring regular COVID-19 updates and podcasts. In addition to the updates featured on the White River Now family of radio stations, the COVID-19 podcast section also features new interviews with Sen. James Sturch, Batesville Mayor Rick Elumbaugh, Stone County Judge Stacey Avey, and state Rep. Stu Smith. Download the free White River Now app today from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, and keep up-to-date on all local and state coronavirus information and to listen to the streams of White River Now radio stations.

We also carry live feeds of Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s COVID-19’s briefings on-air, on White River Now’s Facebook page, and through the White River Now app on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ.

Layout 1Get up-to-date local and regional news along with the latest sports and weather every weekday morning by listening to Gary B. on Ozark Newsline, broadcast from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZWhite River Now updates are also aired weekday mornings on 93 KZLEOutlaw 106.5, and 99.5 Hits Now. Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.comBe sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Add don’t forget to download the  White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

Recommended Posts

Loading...