Governor Asa Hutchinson and Dr. Nathaniel Smith, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Health, Confirm 237 New Cases (64 in community and 173 in prison) of COVID-19 with 3057 recovered, 837 active cases (breaks out 474 in the community, 275 are in prison, 88 in nursing homes) for a total of 3984 total Confirmed Cases in Arkansas.
At the time of this press conference, a total of 64 are Hospitalized, 13 ICU Patients, with a total of 286 are in nursing homes and 166 staff. (37 of the total deaths are from nursing homes) (6 inmates have passed away) as of 1:30 pm as of May 9, 2020.
Notes from today’s news conference
1922 test given yesterday (May 8, 2020)
92,000 unemployment checks went out on last Monday.
Counties with COVID-19 cases: broke out as total active (Counties Ranked by Active Cases), then by total positive, total negative, total recoveries and deaths in the Timeless 106.1 KFFB listening area (as of 9:15 pm on May 9, 2020):
Pulaski County 119 active cases, 603 total positive cases, 6,423 negative cases, 462 Recoveries, 22 Deaths
Faulkner County 9 active cases, 81 total positive cases, 1,840 negative cases, 70 Recoveries, 2 Death
Lonoke County 6 active cases, 44 total positive cases, 920 negative cases, 38 Recoveries, 0 Deaths
Pope County 8 active cases, 47 total positive cases, 1,681 negative cases, 39 Recoveries, 0 Deaths
White County 5 active cases, 35 total positive cases, 922 negative cases, 29 Recoveries, 1 Death
Conway County 3 active cases, 13 total positive cases, 337 negative cases, 9 Recovery, 1 Death
Izard County 7 active cases, 11 total positive cases, 88 negative cases, 4 Recovery, 0 Death
Sharp County 3 active cases, 8 total positive cases, 120 negative cases, 4 Recovery, 1 Death
Independence County 2 active cases, 11 total positive cases, 216 negative cases, 9 Recoveries, 0 Deaths
Cleburne County 1 active case, 72 total positive cases, 244 negative cases, Recoveries 67, 4 Deaths
Van Buren County 1 active cases, 28 total positive cases, 274 negative cases, 25 Recoveries, 2 Death
Stone County 0 active cases, 8 total positive cases, 98 negative cases, 8 Recoveries, 0 Deaths
Searcy County 0 active cases, 6 total positive cases, 154 negative cases, 6 Recovery, 0 Deaths
Jackson County 0 active cases, 1 total positive cases, 116 negative cases, 1 Recovery, 0 Deaths
Baxter County 0 active cases, 5 total positive cases, 368 negative cases, 5 Recovery, 0 Death
Notes from past News Conferences
Pools, Splash pads, water parks and swim beach- Effective May 22, No entry if fever, symptoms or contact with positive patient, 50 percent capacity, 6-foot physical distancing in all areas, If needed, fewer entrances so overcrowding can be controlled, Markings to note distancing at slides, diving boards, anywhere with a line, Disinfect high touch areas frequently tables, chairs moved 6 feet apart(family groups can sit together, Maintain pool chemistry with twice-daily PH testing, Lifeguard training can begin today.
2355 test given yesterday (May 7, 2020) in the last 24 hour period
147 million dollars has been approved by the Arkansas Legislators for Arkansas Ready For Business Grant Program.
May 18, 2020 opening Casinos in Arkansas at 1/3 capacity with guidance from the AHD.
The dental advisory directive will go in effect as of May 11, 2020, to be overseen by the ADH working with the Arkansas Board of Dental examiners.
1,500 or more test given every day in Arkansas, one challenge is having the kits, CDC will provide 90,000 kits and swabs in the Month of May, the Goal for tests given in the month May is 60,000.
Executive order to help Gas & oil industry by wavers.
State Revere is down 28.5 % Arkansas has readjusted it’s projections
New Executive Emergency Order Extending 45 Days
Restriction for Recreational travelers is lifted for non-hot spots (no entry for recent travelers to N.Y, N.J., Conn., an New Orleans). With strong protocol to protect guests and staff.
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 the 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 18, 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
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.
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)
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.
Grandparents and Grandchildren (those contacts of those adults over 65 is at phase 3 of lifting restrictions)
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
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 are unemployed text the word, “unemployment” to 501-376-1111
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 Saturday’s May 9, 2020, News Conference with Governor Asa Hutchinson
