UPDATE (6/1/20):  Today, the Governor held his afternoon coronavirus briefing from Rogers. The Governor said he met with leaders in the minority community as well as leaders from the poultry industry during his visit to Benton County. He announced an additional 190 cases confirmed positive in the last 24 hours bringing the total to 7,443. The number of hospitalizations jumped over the weekend and now stands at 121. We saw one new death over the weekend bringing to total to 133.  

Health Secretary Nate Smith said that 571 cases are associated with the poultry industry and that nearly 400 remain active.

+++++

UPDATE (5/29/20):  This afternoon, Governor Hutchinson announced an additional 239 COVID positive cases bringing the total to 6,777 with an additional 9 hospitalizations bringing the total to 113, the highest one-day number of hospitalizations to date. The Governor also announced seven new deaths bringing the total to 132. Health Secretary, Dr. Nate Smith said Washington County has seen the highest number of new positives. He also noted 4% of the state’s population has now been tested for COVID-19.   

+++++ 

UPDATE (5/28/20): Today Governor Hutchinson announced an additional 261 new COVID-19 positive cases, bringing the total to 6,538. We currently have 104 COVID-19 hospitalizations and 5 new deaths bringing the number of deaths to 125. Benton, Washington and Pulaski Counties saw the biggest increases in cases. Nate Smith, Health Secretary said that all 79 health units across the state are offering COVID-19 testing with a focus on Benton and Washington Counties.  

Steuart Walton, the chair of the Arkansas Economic Recovery Taskforce, announced the completion of an interim report that the Taskforce plans to publish online at arkansasready.gov. 

Update: read the report here.  

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UPDATE (5/27/20): The Governor announced 97 new cases, with 1,199 active cases in the community. The total number of known COVID-19 cases is now at 6,277. Arkansas also saw an additional death bringing the total up to 120. Secretary of Health Dr. Nathaniel Smith noted that we're approaching our high of hospitalizations (109). 

Dr. Smith also reported that 364 nursing home residents and 224 nursing home staff have tested positive to date. 

Secretary Smith also said 301 cases have been linked to the poultry industry, of which 220 remain active. 

+++++ 

UPDATE (5/26/20): This afternoon, Governor Hutchinson announced an additional 151 COVID-19 cases bringing the total to 6,180 with 107 hospitalizations. We’ve also had 2 new deaths bringing the total to 119. The Governor said that we could be seeing a peak in cases like what the state saw in April but that it may also indicate an even higher peak.   

+++++ 

UPDATE: (5/22/20): Today Governor Hutchinson confirmed 154 additional cases of Covid-19 in Arkansas. These additional cases bring the total to 5,612.The governor also announced three additional deaths, bringing the total to 113 Arkansans. 

Governor Hutchinson and Secretary Smith offered additional information about yesterday's 455 cases, a single-day record. 

The governor said that 61 percent of these cases have already been contact-traced. Secretary Smith noted that they revised the number of cases in the community at large down two, from 226 to 224. 

The state received 2,909 completed test results in the last 24 hours with an overall positivity rate of 4.4 percent. 

We're at 51,275 tests for the month of May, within reach of the governor's goal of 60,000 tests this month. 

To date, 102,041 Arkansans have been tested. 

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UPDATE: (5/21/20) 

Governor Hutchinson confirmed 5,458 known cases of Covid-19 in Arkansas, an increase of 455 cases since Wednesday—a single-day record. The governor also confirmed three additional deaths, bringing the total number of known deaths to 110. 

That's a case fatality rate of just over two percent. 

Of the 455 cases announced today, correctional facilities account for just over half at 229. Cases in the community at large accounted for 226. 

Secretary of Health Dr. Nathaniel Smith noted that, of the 226 cases in the community at large, they weren't isolated to any one area, but "spread out all over."  

A total of 1,433 cases are reported as active. Our active cases have nearly returned to their late-April peak. 

Among reported active cases, cases in the community at large account for 796, a clear majority. Correctional facilities account for 543, while nursing homes account for 94. 

With regard to nursing homes, a total of 330 nursing home residents and 197 nursing home staff have tested positive. 

Of the 1,433 active cases, 86 involve hospitalizations, and 14 involve a ventilator. 

A total of 3,915 Arkansans have been classified as having recovered. 

+++++ 

UPDATE: (5/20/20): 

Since the governor is in DC today, Secretary of Health Dr. Nathaniel Smith led the press conference from the Arkansas Department of Health. 

Secretary Smith confirmed a total of 5,003 known cases of Covid-19 in Arkansas, an increase of 80 since Tuesday. Secretary Smith also confirmed an additional five deaths, bringing the total number of known deaths to 107. 

Of the 5,003 known cases, 1,044 remain active. A total of 3,852 Arkansans have qualified as having recovered.  

Secretary Smith said that the state set a record for single-day testing on Tuesday, receiving 4,396 completed test results. This batch had an overall positivity rate of just 1.9 percent. 

Secretary Smith said the state is on track to easily hit the governor's goal of 60,000 tests for the month. To date, Arkansas has tested 95,010 people. 

+++++ 

UPDATE (5/19/20):  Today, Governor Hutchinson announced an increase of 110 COVID-19 positive cases, bringing total cases to 4,923 with 2 new deaths bringing the total to 102.  

According to Dr. Nate Smith there are 1,082 active cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas with 630  in the community, 369 in correctional facilities, and 83 are in nursing homes. 

+++++

UPDATE (5/18/20):  The Governor traveled to Forrest City for today’s update. He confirmed 4,813 known cases of Covid-19 in Arkansas, which is an increase of 235 since Saturday. Governor Hutchinson also confirmed two additional deaths, bringing the total number of known deaths to 100. 

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UPDATE (5/15/20): Governor Hutchinson today announced an increase of 97 additional COVID-19 positive cases bringing the total to 4,463.  There have not been any additional deaths, meaning that the total is steady at 98. 

The Governor said that by Monday, all Arkansas retail stores are open for business other than bars. The Governor said that he will announce the next steps for reopening bars on Monday.  

+++++

UPDATE (5/14/20): Governor Hutchinson announced an additional 130 cases moving the total up to 4,366 known cases of Covid-19 in Arkansas. He also announced an additional death, bringing the total number of deaths to 98. 

+++++

UPDATE (5/13/20):  Today, Governor Hutchinson announced 72 new COVID cases putting the number of positive COVID-19 cases at 4,236 and the number of cases considered to be active at 862. Health Secretary Nate Smith said the state currently has approximately 200 contract tracers with a goal of 350 total.   

 +++++

UPDATE (5/12/20):  At today’s daily press conference, with a distinctly more concerning tone, Governor Hutchinson announced 121 new cases, increasing to 4,164 COVID-19 positive cases with 95 total deaths.  

100 of today’s new cases are from community spread and 27 are in St. Francis County alone, the same location as the federal correctional facility that has seen a significant outbreak.  

The Governor also said he plans to announce additional directives regarding the potential opening of bars as well as team sports and summer camps next week.

+++++

UPDATE (5/11/20): The Governor traveled to El Dorado today for his daily update.  

Over the weekend, 265 new cases were reported. Today, the state saw an additional 31 cases bringing the total to 4,043. The state now has a total of 94 deaths related to COVID-19. 

Nearly 25,000 Arkansas workers have filed for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). This is the newly established unemployment program established by the federal CARES Act to assist those previously ineligible for unemployment such as independent contractors and gig workers.  

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UPDATE (5/8/20):  Governor Hutchinson announced 82 additional COVID-19 positive cases bringing the total to 3,747 with 88 total deaths. 

He also announced legislative approval of $147M for the Arkansas Ready for Business grant as well as the Department of Human Service’s request for additional payments to direct and indirect health care workers.  

Also announced today, pools, waterparks, splash pads can open May 22 at 50% capacity with entrance controls and following the Arkansas Department of Health’s guidelines. 

 +++++

UPDATE (5/7/20):  Governor Hutchinson announced 97 new COVID-19 positive cases as well as 5 additional deaths bringing the total to 88.   Governor Hutchinson noted we are currently in Phase 1 of the Opening Up America Again guidelines. In order to begin Phase 2, Arkansas must not see a resurgence in cases for 14 days. 

The Governor also announced that the Department of Health will be issuing guidelines for casinos to begin operating with 1/3 of their capacity beginning May 18. 

+++++

UPDATE (5/6/20): Today, Governor Hutchinson announced 72 new cases of COVID-19 totaling 3,568 as well as 2 new deaths bringing the total of Arkansans who have died due to the virus to 85. The Governor also announced that the Centers for Disease Control will send 90,000 COVID-19 tests to Arkansas in May. The most rapid increases in cases in Arkansas are in the Texarkana area, Jonesboro, West Memphis and Forrest City.  

+++++

UPDATE (5/5/20): This afternoon, Governor Hutchinson announced 38 new cases, bringing the total number of known COVID-19 cases to 3,496 as well as 2 new deaths bringing the total to 83. 

The Governor also extended his emergency declaration for another 45 days. The emergency declaration was originally set to expire on May 11.  

He also lifted the restriction for out of state recreational travelers for non-hot spot travelers. Arkansans returning from hot spots to Arkansas, or visitors from a hot spot, are expected to self-quarantine for 14 days. This is to allow hotels and lodges to extend occupancy to those coming from other states.   

The Governor also commented on the economic conditions in Arkansas and noted that state revenues for April were down 29% from last April. However, prior to that report, the Department of Finance and Administration revised the revenue forecast, and April revenues beat the projection. The Governor said this indicates the economy has taken a hit but not a “nose dive” and he hopes we can keep public safety at the forefront while doing business as possible. 

+++++

UPDATE (5/4/20): Governor Hutchinson announced a total of 27 new cases bringing the total number of known COVID-19 cases to 3,458. He also announced that the death toll was up to 81. 2,016 Arkansans have now recovered from COVID-19. He also announced an easing of restrictions for large outdoor venues and places of worship that are effective today. Large indoor venues won’t see their restrictions eased until May 18.   

The Governor also announced the “Ready for Business” grant program, which saw a botched rollout last week, will begin accepting new applications on Tuesday to help businesses and organizations offset some of the costs for personal protective equipment, sanitizer, etc. He announced that an additional $40 million was available in addition to the $15 million that was made available to those who applied for the grant during last week’s premature rollout of the program.  

The Governor also noted that the current emergency declaration expires on May 11, but he said he plans to extend it. 

Also at today’s briefing, Commerce Secretary Mike Preston, announced that his office has begun testing the platform that will process unemployment claims for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance for gig workers and self-employed workers. Preston said that the platform should be up and running shortly after promising that he anticipated the program to be available to workers by the end of April.   

+++++ 

UPDATE (5/1/20): Today, Governor Hutchinson announced 66 additional new COVID-19 tests bringing the total of cases to 3,321 in Arkansas. He also announced 3 additional COVID-19 related cases. 

The Governor also announced that barbershops, hair salons, cosmetology, massage and other spa services can open on May 6 with significant restrictions.

+++++

UPDATE (4/30/20): At this afternoon's daily briefing, the Governor announced 63 new COVID-19 positive cases for a total of 3,255 cases and 2 additional deaths bringing the total to 61 in Arkansas. 

The Governor also announced that May 4th the state will lift gym and fitness center restrictions while requiring screening and enhanced social distancing guidelines.  

He added that he plans to take another look at team sports in mid to late May to announce when teen and youth team sports can resume. 

The Governor reiterated that social restrictions are still in place and that face masks should still be utilized when social distancing is not possible.  

+++++

UPDATE (4/29/20):  Today, Governor Hutchinson announced 81 new COVID-19 positive cases bringing the total to 3,192 with 7 additional deaths bringing the total to 59. He also announced restaurants may resume dine-in services at 33% of occupancy on May 11th as part of Phase 1 reopening guidance. He also announced Arkansas Ready for Business, a $15M grant program to assist companies through restart phases and to rebuild consumer confidence in the health precautions that businesses are taking. This grant program allows up to $100k per company for PPE hand sanitizer stations, cleaning supplies and one-time opening expenses.  

+++++ 

UPDATE (4/28/20):  At today’s daily briefing, Governor Hutchinson announced 94 additional COVID-19 positive cases in Arkansas. That brings the total number to 3,111.  He also announced that he expects to have tested 2% of the state’s population by the end of May. That would bring the total of tests conducted in the state to around 60k.  

In addition, the Governor and Secretary of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, Stacy Hurst announced that Arkansas state parks will reopen on May 15 for self-contained RV usage on May 1. She added that they plan to reopen cabins, lodges, visitor centers, park restaurants and exhibits Monday-Friday on May 15. State parks will only be open to Arkansas residents. 

+++++ 

UPDATE (4/27/20): Over the weekend, Governor Hutchinson announced that there will be no traditional graduation ceremonies before July 1. This date will be reevaluated based on the public health data available prior to that date. Secretary of Education Johnny Key said that in the meantime, high schools can create nontraditional, remote, digital or video graduation ceremonies that follow social distancing protocols and congregate gathering restrictions. Key will begin to accepting proposals from school districts regarding nontraditional graduation ceremonies this week. Today, Governor Hutchinson announced an additional 84 cases bringing the total to 2,830 with 49 total deaths. Today had been projected to be the peak for hospitalization utilization in Arkansas. 104 COVID-19 patients are currently hospitalized. 

+++++ 

UPDATE (4/24/20): At today’s daily briefing, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced 276 new COVID-19 positive cases bringing the total to 2,741. There has also been an additional death bringing the total to 46. Today’s report included the largest number of tests administered in one day, which was 2,808.   

The Governor also announced May 18th as the goal date for allowing some dental procedures to resume.  

Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston announced 170,000 Arkansans have filed for unemployment. He added that self-employed and gig worker unemployment payments will be ready by month’s end. In addition, the state’s insurance department will be helping workers that have lost their health insurance due to the loss of their job. 

+++++

UPDATE (4/23/20):  This afternoon, Governor Hutchinson announced a total of 189 new cases with 45 total deaths. The Governor also said that his testing working group made 4 recommendations to: 

1. Expand testing for all patients with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 and those with a history of potential exposure 
2. Expand testing for contact investigations. 
3. Screen for COVID-19 in high-risk settings 
4. Develop a strategy for statewide serosurvelliance. 

He also announced a new two day Arkansas surge campaign to increase testing for Arkansans experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.  

+++++

UPDATE (4/22/20): This afternoon, the Governor announced an additional 49 cases, bringing the total up to 2,276 COVID-19 positive cases. He also announced that he is lifting the restriction on elective health procedures in hospitals and clinics on April 27.   

Hutchinson also announced the timeline for future decisions leading up to a May 4th target for lifting some restrictions with the caveat that we continue to limit community spread.  

April 29 there will be an announcement on possibility of opening restaurants by May 4 

 April 30`on decision on possibility of opening gyms by May 4 

May 1 announcement on possibility of opening salons and barber shops by May 4 

May 4 announcement to open places of worship and larger venues moving forward 

Secretary of health Dr. Nate Smith said that one death that was reported yesterday was a Missouri resident so that number of deaths of Arkansans was corrected to stand at 42.  

+++++ 

UPDATE (4/21/20): At the Governor’s daily briefing, he announced 2,227 COVID-19 positive cases which is a total of 304 new cases with a total of 43 deaths. The Governor announced the creation of a working group of experts to look at testing for COVID-19 and cited the need to grow the state’s testing capacity.  He also discussed the growing number of COVID-19 positive cases coming from Cummins State prison. A civil rights class action lawsuit has been filed seeking relief for the inmates being held there.   

In addition, Steuart Walton has been named the chair of the Governor’s Economic Recovery Task Force and he gave an update that Wes Ward, Arkansas’s Secretary of Agriculture will chair the taskforce’s committee work related to public education. 

+++++

UPDATE (4/20/20):  Today, Governor Hutchinson announced a total of 1,923 COVID-19 positive cases with a total of 42 deaths.  

The Governor said the goal is not just to do contact tracing testing, but to also expand to more broad surveillance testing to get a better sampling across the state to determine who has had COVID-19 with or without symptoms. 

First Lady, Susan Hutchinson noted that April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and raised concerns about children who are at home and separated from mandated reporters by reminding Arkansans of the Child Abuse Hotline:  1-844-SAVE-A-CHILD is a toll-free number that can be called 24/7. 

Governor Hutchinson also says that we must continue the social distancing requirements even after the May 4th date to loosen some of the other restrictions which may include resuming elective medical procedures as well as some potential places of employment. He added that if there is a spike in cases that we could pull back from that May 4th target date.   

Over the weekend, Governor Hutchinson announced the formation of an Economic Recovery Task Force.

+++++

UPDATE (4/17/20):  Today, Governor Hutchinson announced a total of 1,695 COVID-19 positive cases with 93 hospitalizations and no new deaths.  

He thanked the President for offering common criteria for states to look at to release some of the restrictions and then utilize a phasing in the relaxing of restrictions.  

He said that he wants the state to get to Phase 1 of the federal government’s plan to reopen the country.  He said he would rely on the Medical Advisory Committee that he formed which is composed of 7 health professionals that will advise him on how Arkansas can move to Phase 1 by May 4. 

Arkansas’s secretary of health, Dr. Nate Smith and the Medical Advisory Committee developed Post Peak COVID-19 priorities: 

• Restoring the Arkansas economy in timely fashion 
• Protecting the most vulnerable 
• Maintaining adequate healthcare and healthcare capacity, specifically more PPE and contact tracing 
• Preventing resurgence to COVID-19 cases in Arkansas 

+++++

UPDATE (4/15/20): During today’s daily COVID-19 briefing, Governor Hutchinson announced a total of 1,569 positive COVID-19 cases including 83 hospitalizations and 33 total deaths.  

The University of Washington’s model now predicts that Arkansas’s COVID-19 cases will peak on May 2. The Governor said that the state is flattening the curve and that the peak will be lower in terms of positive COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths than initially predicted.   

The Governor announced that his Medicaid waiver to allow for bonus payments to direct care workers in long term care facilities was approved by the federal Centers on Medicare and Medicaid Services. These will be effective April 4-May 30 unless the number of cases exceeds 1,000 in Arkansas, then the waiver will be extended.  

+++++

UPDATE (4/14/20): Today, Governor Hutchinson announced 1,498 positive COVID-19 cases with 1,024 active cases in Arkansas. Ten percent of active cases in Arkansas come from state and federal prisons. He also announced a total of 32 deaths with 81 people being hospitalized.  Arkansas is not at its peak and the Governor said it is not a time to relax social distancing and other CDC guidelines. Moving forward, Hutchinson said that he would be making decisions based on the best public health advice balanced with the essential needs to move and make a living.  He also issued an executive order to allow first responders and frontline workers to file a workers’ comp claim if there is a causal connection to COVID-19. He also extended liability immunity for first responders, physicians, specialists, medical assistants and nurses via executive order. 

+++++

UPDATE (4/13/20): This afternoon, Governor Hutchinson announced a total of 1,410 positive COVID-19 positive cases with 30 total deaths. He also announced severe outbreaks of the coronavirus in state and federal prisons within the state. Looking forward, the Governor announced the creation of a Governor-appointed medical advisory board for the post peak period of COVID-19 in Arkansas. Members of the advisory board are as follows:  

• Dr. Nathaniel Smith – Secretary of Arkansas Department of Health (Chair) 
• Dr. Jose Romero – ADH Chief Medical Officer and Chief of Pediatric Infectious Disease at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)/Arkansas Children’s Hospital 
• Dr. Naveen Patil – ADH Medical Director for Infectious Disease 
• Dr. Jennifer Dillaha – ADH State Epidemiologist 

• Dr. Austin Porter – ADH Deputy Chief Science Officer and Assistant Professor at the UAMS College of Public Health 
• Dr. Greg Bledsoe – Surgeon General of Arkansas 
• Dr. Jerrilyn Jones – ADH Medical Director for Preparedness and Response and Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at UAMS 
• Dr. Sam Greenfield – ADH Medical Director for Family Health and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UAMS 

The committee will provide its first briefing to the Governor later this week. 

+++++

UPDATE (4/9/20):  The 2020 Fiscal Session rolled on today with a meeting of the Joint Budget Committee. Lawmakers considered various proposals including appropriation bills that will allow lawmakers to address the anticipated reduction in state revenues as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. 

Also today, the Governor announced a total of 1,094 of positive COVID-19 cases in Arkansas with a total of 21 deaths. The Governor reiterated the CDC guidelines (social distancing and mask wearing) especially in light of the upcoming Easter weekend. Secretary of Health, Dr. Nate Smith announced that Arkansas has a total of 841 active cases due to the full recovery of 253 cases. In addition, state officials called on Arkansans not to neglect their mental health during this difficult time. 

+++++

UPDATE (4/8/20): The 2020 Fiscal Session began today in Little Rock. Lawmakers are constitutionally required to meet and pass the state budget, but the Capitol is not open to the public. The House met at the Jack Stephens Center at UA Little Rock, while the Senate met in the Senate Chamber. The budget lawmakers pass will be used to appropriate funds to operate state government—including public education-- for the next Fiscal Year which begins July 1.

At the opening of the session, Governor Asa Hutchinson took to the floor of the State Senate to give a brief State of the State address. During his remarks, he noted that lawmakers would need to significantly scale back the state’s budget to allow for essential state services to still be provided. This scaling back is a result of the massive reduction in state revenues anticipated in the months to come as the state grapples with the coronavirus emergency. Importantly, the Governor noted that the state would maintain the commitment to funding public education. He added that nothing beats face to face instruction, but said there is a need to improve our broadband connectivity across Arkansas. He also recognized the contributions that education support professionals, such as food nutrition workers and school bus drivers are making to ensure meals are still being prepared and delivered to students across Arkansas. The Fiscal Session is expected to be short, with lawmakers aiming to wrap up by Friday, April 17. The full House and Senate recessed until Wednesday, April 15 pending any unforeseen issues they must take up. All Education Committee meetings have been cancelled but the Joint Budget Committee will continue to meet. 

Later, in his daily 1:30 press briefing, the Governor announced a total of 1,023 positive COVID-19 cases in Arkansas. There are no additional deaths.   

Arkansas has distributed $3M from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission for the bridge loan program to help small businesses to meet payroll. The Governor also said an additional $1M from his quick action closing fund would be available to support this program.   

Arkansas has received 110,000 unemployment claims, and the Governor expects 150,000 by the end of the week. The first additional $600 per week unemployment funds provided by the recently passed federal CARES Act have just gone out to beneficiaries. However, the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance for independent, gig and self-employed workers is in limbo. The US Department of Labor requires the state build an entirely new system to be able to process the claims for this category of worker. Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston estimates about a three week timeframe to build that system, but that those payments will be backdated.   

+++++ 

UPDATE (4/7/20):  Today, Governor Hutchinson announced a total of 946 positive COVID-19 cases in Arkansas and 18 total deaths. He said 152 people have met the criteria to be considered “recovered.”  

He also said the Arkansas Heart Hospital has received 500 of the quick-result tests and they are donating those specifically for testing health care providers. The Governor also discussed the 2020 Fiscal Legislative Session which begins tomorrow at noon. He will deliver his State of the State address on the Senate floor and announce issues and priorities for the year ahead.  The Fiscal Session is a Constitutional requirement. Lawmakers will focus on passing a scaled back state budget that can be responsive to the expected drop in state revenues due to business closures and other reductions in commerce during the COVID-19 crisis. 

+++++

UPDATE (4/6/20) : Today, Governor Hutchinson announced a total of 875 positive COVID-19 cases with no additional deaths. He also discussed Arkansas's efforts to slow the spread of the virus and reiterated that the social distancing, mask-wearing and other behaviors are working.   

He also announced that public schools will continue to be closed for on site instruction through the end of the school year, but schools will continue Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI). 

Secretary of Education, Johnny Key announced that AMI via Arkansas PBS will have lessons available through April 17 and will extend that for two additional weeks through May 1st to give school districts time to develop plans for AMI in their districts with additional support from the Department of Education. He also noted that digital and online learning for high school students will continue.   

Key also asked schools and educators to be flexible when developing AMI plans and called it "impractical" to replicate the school experience at home. He noted students and parents may need additional support beyond 8-3pm. The State expects the AMI focus to be on core content and that other courses should be used to supplement the core content. Special education, English as a Second Language, content specialists and GT teachers should collaborate with core content area teachers. Schools are expected to set specific times for teachers to be accessible to parents and students. 

Key also said high school seniors who have met the state requirements will graduate, but local requirements still need to be met, meaning students need to continue with their coursework.   

Schools will continue to provide meals to students as long as CDC guidelines are followed. 

Key said that there will be a "ripple effect" into next year and said the department will be assessing how to best mitigate any problems that could carry into next school year.   

He also encouraged teachers get professional development hours via online methods and noted that all need to complete the science of reading professional development.    

School report cards will be impacted without Aspire this year as well as the lack of measures around attendance and growth. 

Special education teachers are asked to review 504 plans and IEP’s and align the assignments for those students the best they can. In addition therapists delivering speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy need to be mindful of the potential lack of these services during this time. When school comes back, they and special education teachers need to identify what has been missed and compensate for the missed therapy.   

Key said that graduation ceremonies will be subject to Arkansas Dept. of Health’s guidelines for gatherings. Districts are exploring various options, but it is “very much up in the air.”  

+++++

UPDATE (4/3/20):  Today, the Governor reported a total of 704 positive COVID-19 cases and no new deaths. Currently 71 patients are being hospitalized and 60 patients have met the definition of “recovered.”   

The Gov. Announced that just today the state received our first shipment of personal protective gear for front line and health care providers. 

The state’s testing capability continues to increase and the state has conducted nearly 10,000 tests, of those 7.3% have returned positive. Tests have been performed in all counties and UAMS has developed a mobile testing unit that is traveling to more remote counties. 

The Governor said social distancing is “critically important” for us to be successful in fighting the outbreak. He said more Arkansans must take the directive seriously and called on every Arkansan to feel the need to contribute to, feel responsible for, and engage in social distancing and other practices to slow the spread. 

+++++

UPDATE (4/2/20): Today, the Governor reported a total of 643 positive COVID-19 cases and a total of 12 deaths.  

The Governor also addressed calls to implement a “Stay at Home” or “Shelter in Place” order, because Arkansas is one of the few states that have not taken such action. He outlined the measures that have been implemented, including closing schools and businesses like casinos, hair salons, gyms, bars and restaurant dining rooms.  

These measures exceed some other states, he said, and even in states with stay at home orders, essential workers and some activities are exempted. He said decisions are being made based on data, with the goal of reducing hospitalizations, saving lives and getting through the situation as quickly as possible. He added that the state is constantly watching for compliance with social distancing guidelines, and when a group is not doing what they need to for safety, stronger measures are taken.  

The Governor said this targeted approach is working for the state at this time. He said the number of positive cases is 400 lower than the states original projections, suggesting Arkansas is successfully bending the curve and reducing hospitalizations.  

Also at today’s press briefing, Arkansas Secretary of Health, Dr. Nate Smith defended the state’s approach. He said there is political pressure to follow other states’ lead in issuing the order, but said we don’t have compelling evidence a stay at home order would work more than the more targeted approach.  

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UPDATE (4/1/20): Today, the Governor reported a total of 584 positive COVID-19 cases and a total of 10 deaths. 84 of the positive cases are healthcare workers. He also reported that in the last 24 hours, Arkansas and commercial labs have grown in the ability to test more people. The Governor also announced a partnership with Walmart, the State of Arkansas and Qwest Laboratories to begin a drive through testing facility in Bentonville that will focus on first responders and health care workers exhibiting symptoms. He announced the state will move to day trip only use of state parks and restricted parking to limit access and to give park rangers the ability to enforce social distancing guidelines. This will begin on Friday, April 3. He also announced he will recommend the closure of the Buffalo National Park through this national emergency. However, that decision is made by the US Secretary of the Interior.    

Also at today’s press briefing, Arkansas Secretary of Health, Dr. Nate Smith urged Arkansans to take care of themselves and follow the Arkansas Department of Health and CDC guidelines and to check in on each other, especially those who are most vulnerable.   

Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston announced the state is still awaiting guidance from the US Department of Labor around additional Unemployment Insurance provisions in the recently enacted CARES Act will work for Arkansans. He requested that those seeking assistance under this new federal provision, which includes gig workers, should look for guidance on eligibility for this program in the days and weeks to come.  

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(UPDATE (3/31/20): Today, the Governor reported 523 positive COVID-19 cases and a total of 8 deaths. The Governor presented data showing the current number of positive cases is lower than the modeling that projected Arkansas would have 3,500 cases by April 10. The Governor called on Arkansans to do their part to be self-disciplined and to follow the Arkansas Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control’s guidelines and directives.  

When asked about any additional announcements regarding public schools, Governor Hutchinson said his focus is on ensuring that education is continuing even as it is conducted off site. He touted the resources available to all grade levels via Arkansas PBS. He said he would likely announce additional information next week about the possibility of extending school closures beyond the current date of April 17. He said he would take into consideration the national guidance announced by President Trump to continue social distancing at least through April 30.   

The Governor also raised concerns about out-of-state travelers and has asked state officials to implement strategies to curtail out-of-state travelers from visiting Arkansas. State officials said more than 30K unemployment claims have been submitted in Arkansas, and more than 250 applications have been submitted for small business bridge loans. 

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UPDATE (3/30/20): Over the weekend, the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Arkansas continued to rise and today the Governor announced the number is up to 473 with a total of 7 deaths.  
Also over the weekend, President Trump announced that he is extending social distancing guidelines for the nation to at least April 30. Health Secretary Nate Smith said outdoor sporting activities were okay as long as participants can maintain the six foot distance between each other. He added that it is perfectly fine to utilize state parks and other outdoor spaces but that any use of the facilities requires maintaining social distancing guidelines. 
In addition, the Governor said a shelter-in-place order is not needed at this time. He also gave an update on the $30 million the state had previously allocated to secure some personal protective gear for front line health care workers. He noted the investment has allowed the state to lock in an additional supply of these items and he expects delivery shortly. However, he noted that that amount will not be sufficient to last Arkansas through the crisis.   
In an attempt to secure additional personal protective gear and ventilators, the Governor is planning to utilize an additional $45 million of the $173 million COVID 19 Rainy Day Fund that was created and approved by the legislature during the Special Legislative Session which concluded in the early hours of Saturday morning. 
Also announced today, the state anticipates $1.25 billion in aid as part of the CARES Act which was passed by Congress and signed into law late last week. To manage these funds, the Governor announced a taskforce to help manage the use of these funds.  
Looking ahead to the 2020 Fiscal Legislative Session, the Governor confirmed the need to revise and lower the state’s revenue forecast.

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UPDATE (3/27/20): The Arkansas General Assembly convened today for a second day of the Special Legislative Session. The House and Senate both unanimously voted to advance the bill to create a $173 million dollar emergency fund to begin to address the anticipated state budget shortfall in the current fiscal year. The bill advances to final passage which is expected after midnight tonight when lawmakers will reconvene for the requisite third day of session. The bill will then go to the Governor's desk. Earlier today, the Governor announced that he would sign the bill as soon as it was available to be signed into law.  

At today's daily press update, the Governor announced a total of 381 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Arkansas with 48 needing hospitalization and no new deaths. 

The Governor said a daily evaluation of new data is informing the state's response, and presented information on the upward trend of COVID spread. He said models predict the peak occurring anywhere between April 25 to June 1.  

In addition, he authorized the National Guard to begin assisting in the expansion of hospital beds capacity as the state begins to plan for the future. The Governor also announced that Arkansas has now placed an order for 500 ventilators. 

Also today, Attorney General Leslie Rutledge announced she is allocating an additional $1M to ensure that health care providers are able to acquire personal protective equipment. She also mentioned that her office has received 500 price gouging complaints and that they are actively enforcing the price gouging law. 

 

UPDATE (3/26/20): Today the House and Senate Convened to open a Special Legislative Session. Lawmakers began the process to consider only one bill that would: 

• Set up a transfer of $173M in the General Revenue Allotment Reserve fund to a special COVID-19 Rainy Day Fund to address needs created by the COVID-19 crisis.
  
• Create a panel of legislative leaders to oversee expenditure requests from this new COVID-19 Rainy Day Fund. 

The House easily advanced the bill from a committee of the whole to be considered by the full House tomorrow with minimal debate while the Senate extensively debated an amendment to tighten up oversight of the expenditures from the COVID-19 Rainy Day Fund. That amendment ultimately failed, and the Senate advanced the bill as well.  

The House and Senate will convene again tomorrow at 3pm to continue considering this emergency proposal.  

Following today's session of the General Assembly, the Governor announced Arkansas now has 335 Confirmed COVID-19 cases. In addition, Arkansas now has a total of 3 COVID-19 deaths.  

Today, the Governor also announced $116 million in additional supports for front line health care providers and hospitals. Federal funding will make up around $90 million of the $116 million package. 

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UPDATE (3/25/20): Today, Governor Hutchinson announced 280 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases in Arkansas. He also noted a significant increase in testing as the state moves toward a more accurate picture of the outbreak in the state. 

The Governor also stated the previously announced Special Legislative Session will begin tomorrow at 1pm. This session is being called to deal with the anticipated $353 million shortfall in state revenues in the current fiscal year which ends June 30. 

The Governor has also asked for the expedited licensing of health care workers. He has requested emergency, temporary licensure to medical residents who have completed one year of internship. Fifteen residents have now applied for this licensure and will be able to enter the heath care field. 

The state medical board expedited and licensed 100 new physicians in March. In addition, the state nursing board has issued 300 new licenses through an expedited process this month.  

To slow the upward trend line, the public needs to abide by the guidance of the Department of Health to limit gatherings to ten people or fewer. This will now shift from ‘guidance’ to becoming a directive from the Dept. of Health. This means law enforcement can enforce the 10 person limit on gatherings. 

Unemployment numbers were also discussed. The state received 9,000 unemployment claims last week, and another 8,000 this week so far, including 700 filed just this morning. 

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UPDATE (3/24/20): This afternoon, Governor Hutchinson announced that the Special Legislative Session will begin March 26th to take budgetary action to address $353 million shortfall in the current fiscal year which ends June 30, 2020. 

The Governor also said the number confirmed positive cases in Arkansas is now 218 with the first 2 deaths reported today as well. He said that the state is still on the front end of the COVID-19 related crisis. He implored the public and businesses to follow the directives coming from state health officials. 

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UPDATE (3/23/20): Today marks the first day of Spring Break for Arkansas public schools. This afternoon, Governor Hutchinson announced 174 confirmed cases of COVID-19. He also announced a projected $160 million reduction in state revenue between now and the end of June 30, which is the end of the state fiscal year. In addition, the state tax return filing deadline for individual taxpayers will be extended to July 15 to align with the new delayed federal tax deadline. This extension, in addition to the expected reduction in revenues, brings the total projected shortfall to $353 million until the end of the fiscal year. Unlike the federal budget, the state is constitutionally required to balance our state budget. The Governor also called for a Special Legislative Session so lawmakers can begin to grapple with the state budget shortfall. The Special Session will begin very soon though he did not announce a date. It is unclear if or how this budget shortfall will impact public education in Arkansas. AEA will be working with state officials as this develops. In addition, the 2020 Fiscal Session is still set to begin April 8. 
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MAJOR UPDATE (3/20/20): Today, Education Secretary Johnny Key announced that Arkansas is canceling the administration of ACT Aspire for this spring and will submit a waiver to the federal government to do so. This will also impact other assessments including K-2 assessments and Dynamic Learning Map assessment.

Key stated canceling ACT Aspire will have a "significant” impact over the long term on the state’s student growth measure. This is because the test results are being used to develop a longitudinal system for accountability, and taking several pieces of data out of that creates a cascading effect.

Key also announced that education officials are working with Arkansas PBS to develop a series of resources for K-8 students. Following Spring Break, Arkansas PBS plans to shift their morning programming to accommodate the airing of these resources.

Key said school districts that don't have the capacity to bring teachers back in to develop lessons or get lessons back in can rely on core subjects that state education officials and Arkansas PBS have developed.

For grades 9-12, the state is partnering with Virtual Arkansas which is developing resources to be delivered through a variety of media beginning after Spring Break.

In addition, the state is Identifying "safe learning zones" where students can go to school parking lots where wi-fi is accessible.  ADE asks local broadband providers to work with local school districts to create opportunities for students to get hot spots or expand their services. He said these resources are still in development, it's messy and will continue to be for some time.

Secretary Key also made it clear that the lack of testing this year will not impact school funding. Governor Hutchinson added, “We are in the same position as every other state in the country. All of education is challenged this year."

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UPDATE (3/19/20): Today, Governor Hutchinson announced K-12 schools will remain closed for on-site instruction until at least April 17. State education officials are looking at all options regarding state testing and are in ongoing conversations with the US Department of Education about federal assessment requirements.

AEA is also in contact with state education officials and we anticipate more updates on assessments soon.

The Governor also announced that 62 Arkansans have tested positive for coronavirus.  Yesterday, the number was 33. He noted that the spike in cases was at least in part due to the growing capacity to test for the virus as well as a concerning trend of community spread.

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UPDATE (3/18/20): This afternoon, Governor Hutchinson announced 11 new positive cases of COVID-19, the largest single-day increase yet, bringing the total number identified in Arkansas to 33. In addition, the Governor said he expects the number of positive cases to increase and warns that we should not have a "false sense of security."  

The Governor confirmed that most of the cases in Arkansas are related to foreign and domestic travel. He requested that everyone rethink the risk of travel ahead of Spring Break, including domestic travel.

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UPDATE (3/17/20): This morning Governor Hutchinson held a press conference to update Arkansans on the COVID-19 response in Arkansas.
He announced that there have been no additional positive COVID-19 reported in the state. The total cases identified in Arkansas remains at 22.  Six of the positive cases are healthcare workers. 

Governor Hutchinson noted that he still anticipates that schools will reopen on March 30.

Also at today's press conference, Secretary of Education, Johnny Key, recognized the tremendous job educators have done to adjust to a very difficult situation and recognized the important work happening to ensure delivery of meals to students.  

Secretary Key also noted that state officials will be working with superintendents on what "reentry will look like," meaning the state will support school districts in what they would need to be ready for and how students and educators will cope. The Governor also issued an executive order, suspending some state laws for public schools.

He also noted that state education officials are working with the Health Department and following CDC guidelines around public school students and staff that are deemed “medically fragile.” Key said his Division is encouraging districts to use flexibility with respect to these staff and students. He also plans to advise state auditors of those recommendations. This is an effort to make sure decisions made to prevent the spread of illness, or for the safety of medically fragile students and staff, will not be held against districts during the state auditing process. 

In addition, the Governor announced that in the event of any layoffs in Arkansas, the State will waive the following unemployment insurance requirements for the next 30 days:

• Waiving the delay in receiving UI benefits which should make benefits immediately available
• Waiving the in person application process: Apply for unemployment benefits online   
• Waiving the requirement to seek other opportunities

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UPDATE (3/16/20): Today Gov. Hutchinson held a press briefing where he announced 6 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in AR. He praised educators across the state for their prep work and ongoing efforts to make sure students have their needs met. We will continue to update as needed.

UPDATE (3/14/20): Governor Hutchinson just concluded a press conference with additional COVID-19 information. He announced that there are 3 additional "presumed positive" COVID-19 cases in Arkansas. This brings the total to 12 positive cases in Arkansas thus far. He made no additional announcements related to public schools or school closures.

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UPDATE: (3-13-2020) - Today, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced that 3 additional "presumptive positive" cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Arkansas. 

He did not announce any additional school closures as of today.

Education Secretary Johnny Key said that the state can adjust the testing window if necessary.  He noted that a change in testing schedules could mean a delay in results and that the Department of Education is looking at all options for testing requirements.

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