At his statewide COVID-19 briefing on Friday, Gov. Asa Hutchinson said Arkansas had a record of 731 new cases since Thursday. Of the new cases, 207 are from correctional facilities. Hospitalizations are also up by 16 to a record 203 while the state recorded five new deaths, bringing the total to 176.
Hutchinson said he and state medical officials do not attribute the jump in positive cases to Arkansas’ gradual lifting of restrictions, and he also stressed that residents should stick to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control, and in particular, continue to use face coverings to help protect others.
The governor also noted that he expects cases to continue to increase, but he said he believed Arkansas hospitals are equipped for any surge.
Watch Gov. Hutchinson’s complete COVID-19 briefing from Friday afternoon below. The governor’s remarks begin around the 5:15 mark.
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