Governor Asa Hutchinson is allowing the COVID-19 state of emergency for Arkansas to expire, effective May 30. The governor made the announcement Thursday morning.
Hutchinson said the emergency, which was implemented on March 11 of last year, will become a “maintenance of effort,” in terms of continuing to manage the pandemic and increase vaccinations across the state.
The governor said Arkansans are taking the virus seriously and know what to do in order to continue the battle against COVID-19. The state also has plentiful access to the vaccine and hospitalizations are down, adding to the decision to end the state of emergency, he said.
Hutchinson also announced a new media campaign concentrating on the importance of residents getting vaccinated and noted a $100 bonus will be given to executive branch employees in state agencies for getting the vaccine. He also encouraged other Arkansas businesses to offer similar programs that would encourage employees to receive their vaccinations.
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