Governor Asa Hutchinson and Dr. Nathaniel Smith, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Health, Confirm 27 New Cases of COVID-19 (Cummings prison unit, at a total of 873 and 51 staff now tested positive at Cummings prison unit 5 inmates have passed away) for a total of 3458 total Confirmed Cases in Arkansas with 2016 recovered, 1362 active cases as of 1:30 pm as of May 4, 2020.
At the time of this press Conference, the total was 3458, and 91 Hospitalized, 16 ICU Patients, with a total of 245 are in nursing homes and 147 staff. (31 of the total deaths are from nursing homes.)
Notes from today’s news conference
Places of Worship Guidance – Effective May 4 Meet and greet times moved outside as possible, refreshments offered outdoors only, lines for entry / exit monitored for distancing, no physical contact, eliminate use of items touched by multiple people, like collection plate/shared books, refrain from having people come forward to common altar rail for Holy Communion, blessing, etc. Online platforms strongly encouraged, signs advise no entry if recent fever, symptoms or contact with positive patient, 6-foot physical distancing except for family groups, face coverings worn at all times inside by anyone over 10 years old, worship leaders addressing congregation + performing singers may take off face mask, 12-foot physical distance required at these times , hand sanitizing stations at entrances.
Large Outdoor Venues Directive – Effective May 4, Examples: arenas, sports venues, race tracks, stadiums, amusement centers, fairgrounds, 12-foot distance between performers, audience, 50 or fewer performers/players/contestants, Audience of 50 or fewer people, 6- foot distancing in seating, except for family groups, lines marked/monitored for distancing, every other row should be unoccupied, Face coverings required for anyone over 10 years old If 12-foot distancing maintained from all others, no face covering required for performer/player/contestant, Signs should advise no entry if any symptoms or contact with positive patient, Hand sanitizer stations at all entrances/exits, refreshments allowed, but no self-service, facility including seating cleaned before/after each use
A reminder that May 4, 2020 lift restrictions at phase one of Gym and Fitness Center Reopening, Screening for staff and patrons, No entry for: recent travelers to N.Y, N.J., Conn., New Orleans, overseas, those with fever, symptoms, recent contact with COVID-19 patient, anyone with compromised immune systems or chronic diseases. Temperature check for staff, Face Coverings for Staff and patrons, except when actively exercising. No pools, spas, showers, saunas, hand sanitizer available, Equipment sanitized after each use, 12-foot distancing while working out + during training sessions, classes, no personal contact
Arkansas Ready For Business Grant Program: $55 Million grant program open to all industry sectors $1K per full time employee, $100K cap per company, >15% for women and minority-owned businesses and >75% for businesses with 50 or fewer employees, Existing applications remain in consideration; website re-opens at 8 am on Tuesday, May 5th, Simple application process: driver’s license, signed w-9, and certificate of good standing, Application website will close at 6 p.o. on Wednesday, may 6th to review submissions.
A reminder that May 6, 2020 lift restrictions at phase one of Barber, Cosmetology, (including Barber & Beauty schools) Massage Therapy, Body Art, and Medical Spa Services: Ten or fewer people in the facility, Larger facilities, no more than 30% of stations in operation, No walk-in appointments, Clients should wait outside or in cars until ready, Time set between appointments for cleaning, 6-foot distance between clients during appointments, in wait area, Client names, contact information recorded, Vulnerable populations should consider staying home
A reminder that Restaurants open for limited dining service beginning May 11, 2020, at phase #1: Physical distancing between patrons and tables, reservations encourage, face coverings, Gloves for staff, Daily staff screenings, Frequent handwashing, Pre-order when possible, No groups over 10 people, Senior hour is encouraged, no self-service, Clean-Disinfect Tables and menus after each meal, Bars and entertainment within restaurants prohibited. Dr. Smith says Protective equipment for Restaurants cloth face mask, gloves (need to be washed just as washing hands)
Counties confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Timeless 106.1 KFFB listening area (as of 3:00 pm on May 4, 2020):
Pulaski County 551 total positive cases, 154 active cases, 5,133 negative cases, Recoveries 377, 20 Deaths
Faulkner County 76 total positive cases, 18 active cases, 1,604 negative cases, 57 Recoveries, 2 Death
Cleburne County 72 total positive cases, 2 active cases, 176 negative cases, Recoveries 66, 4 Deaths
Pope County 44 total positive cases, 9 active cases, 1,555 negative cases, 35 Recoveries, 0 Deaths
Lonoke County 44 total positive cases, 14 active cases, 648 negative cases, 29 Recoveries, 0 Deaths
White County 35 total positive cases, 6 active cases, 451 negative cases, 28 Recoveries, 1 Death
Van Buren County 28 total positive, 2 active cases, 256 negative cases, 24 Recoveries, 2 Death
Conway County 13 total positive cases, 6 active cases, 309 negative cases, 6 Recovery, 1 Death
Independence County 10 total positive cases, 1 active case, 198 negative cases, 9 Recoveries, 0 Deaths
Stone County 8 total positive cases, 0 active cases, 88 negative cases, 8 Recoveries, 0 Deaths
Searcy County 6 total positive cases, 0 active cases, 135 negative cases, 6 Recovery, 0 Deaths
Sharp County 9 total positive cases, 6 active cases, 65 negative cases, 3 Recovery, 0 Death
Baxter County 5 total positive cases, 0 active cases, 326 negative cases, 5 Recovery, 0 Death
Izard County 9 total positive cases, 5 active cases, 64 negative cases, 4 Recovery, 0 Death
Notes from past News Conferences
Update (85 million Additional money) on the Arkansas Ready for Business 15 million dollar Grant Program (To assist companies during the reopening phase): Grant to offset expenses associated with ensuring the health and safety of employees and patrons, Eligible expenses included personal protective equipment, hand sanitizer stations, cleaning supplies and services, and other one-time expenses to enable a business to reopen or resume normal operations, All industry sectors are eligible, $1,000.00 per full-time employee, up to $100,000 per company, employee headcount and eligible expenses backdated to March 1, 2020.
2520 test given in a 24 hour period with a 1.5% positively cases
Arkansas Ready for Business 15 million dollar Grant Program (To assist companies during the reopening phase): Grant to offset expenses associated with ensuring the health and safety of employees and patrons, Eligible expenses included personal protective equipment, hand sanitizer stations, cleaning supplies and services, and other one-time expenses to enable a business to reopen or resume normal operations, All industry sectors are eligible, $1,000.00 per full-time employee, up to $100,000 per company, employee headcount and eligible expenses backdated to March 1, 2020.
May 1, 2020, Arkansas State Parks phase #1 opening for overnight stay of camping for in-state resident RV’s only, no bathrooms to be open.
May 15, 2020, Arkansas State Parks phase #1 open use of Cabins, Lodges, and Rent-A-RV, Reservations limited to Friday through Monday only to Allow for cleaning, In-State Residents only
May 15, 2020, Arkansas State Parks phase #1 opening the following to limited capacity and with social distancing enforced: Restaurants and Food Service Facilities, Museums and Exhibits, Retail including Visitor Centers, Gift Shops, and Golf Pro Shops, Marinas and Rental Equipment.
Over 1,500 test given each day over the last three days
Proposed state Criteria percent of daily ER visits for COVID-19 like illness Arkansas is on the downward trend
Proposed state Criteria downward trajectory of documented cases or downward trajectory of positive tests, Arkansas is on the downward trend
Proposed state Criteria for Hospitals treat all patients without crisis care and robust testing program in place for at-risk healthcare workers, Arkansas has met this requirement
Department of Education is looking at all options moving forward with the Department of Health
2808 test has been given in the past 24 hours 4.1 were positive for a total of 34,745 tests given in Arkansas (From Thursday)
Goal for Dental procedures to be allowed as May 18, 2020 with directive
Another $1,000,000.00 will be given for loans for businesses
Arkansas Surge Campaign: Today and Tomorrow, Two-day surge Testing campaign, if you think you have symptoms like fever, cough, or shortness of breath get tested for COVID-19. Testing is available. Call your health care provider first, and follow their guidance. (Friday & Saturday, April 24-25, 2020)
Arkansas will lift restrictions of elective procedures effective on Monday, April 27, 2020,
April 29, 2020, will have a decision on lifting restrictions for Restaurants
April 30, 2020, will have a decision on lifting restrictions for Gyms
May 1, 2020, will have a decision on lifting restrictions for Salons and Barbers
May 4, 2020, will have a decision on lifting restrictions for places of worship and larger venues
The Economic task force will be lead by Stuart Walton
Arkansas is one of the top state testing per month per 1,000 people by state
Our goal is not just contact testing to more surveillance testing
We are fighting the COVID-19 everyday, we must keep our social restrictions
Grandparents and Grandchildren (those contacts of those adults over 65 is at phase 3 of lifting restrictions)
Child Abuse Awareness Month (Hotline 1-844-SAVE-A-Child available 24/7)
May 4, 2020, date Arkansas is looking to lift some restrictions but, we will be still social distancing and if you can not social distance wear a mask
May 4, 2020, is the target date for opening up the economy by lifting some restrictions during Phase 1
Under Phase One- Encourage Telework, Return to work in Phases, Close Common Areas, Minimize Non-Essential Travel, Strongly consider Special Accommodations for personnel who are members of a Vulnerable Population
Dr. Smith says we must be careful of a resurgence of COVID-19 if we are to open up our economy.
New website for unemployment ARunemployment.com (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Email Alert System scan me code on the new website)
Schools will remain closed for the remainder of the School year, no in-school instruction, Sr’s will graduate, AMI will be continuing, for 2019-2020 school year
Executive order for commercial lodging and hotels – no recreational travelers allowed
Golfing is allowed with restrictions
Dr. Smith encouraging folks to be outside because of ultraviolet light decreases transmission for a wide variety of germs
If you think you have CORID-19 do not go to the Doctor or Emergency Room you must call UAMS first 800-632-4520
If you are unemployed text the word, “unemployment” to 501-376-1111
State Parks will be closed for overnight visitors to day time only
The highest risk demographic are those over 65 and those with medically compromised condition
ADH has activated a call center to answer questions from health care providers and the public about the novel coronavirus. During normal business hours (8:00 am – 4:30 pm), urgent and non-urgent calls, please call 1-800-803-7847 or email ADH.CoronaVirus@arkansas.gov. After normal business hours and weekend calls, needing immediate response, please call 1-800-554-5738.
ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH COVID-19 WEBSITE
Watch Monday’s May 4, 2020, News Conference with Governor Asa Hutchinson
