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Arkansas sees the largest spike in COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic

There are 406 new COVID-19 cases in the state within the last 24 hours, totaling 12,501 total positive coronavirus cases in Arkansas.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark — According to the Arkansas Department of Health, there are 406 new COVID-19 cases in the state within the last 24 hours, totaling 12,501 total positive coronavirus cases in Arkansas.

On Friday, the governor announced 731 new cases, revealing the largest spike in COVID-19 cases Arkansas has seen since the start of the pandemic.

On Wednesday, Gov. Hutchinson announced the state of Arkansas is entering into Phase II. Phase II will begin on Monday, June 15.

This week, Arkansas has seen the highest number of hospitalizations since the beginning of COVID-19.

Key facts to know:

  • 12,501 known positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas
  • 4,212 active cases
  • 179 reported deaths 
  • 201 hospitalizations
  • 45 on ventilators
  • 8,110 recoveries

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Sunday, June 14

2:15 p.m.:

Since yesterday, there have been a total of 406 new COVID-19 cases in the state, totaling 12,501.

Saturday, June 13 

3 p.m.

The Arkansas Department of Health confirms there are 548 new cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas. There are 12,095 total positive coronavirus cases in Arkansas.

There are currently 4,055 active cases in the state. One more Arkansan has died, bringing the death toll to 177. There have been 256 more recoveries, bringing that total to 7,863.

There has been one more hospitalization added, bringing that total to 204; three less on ventilators, bringing total to 46.

Watch Friday's 1:30 p.m. press conference here: 

Friday, June 12

Gov. Hutchinson announced due to the need in contact tracing, Arkansas needs more resources. The governor authorized 20 national guard members to immediately join the ADH contact tracing team.

"I do expect cases to increase," Gov. Hutchinson said. "I think that's natural until we can get a handle on this and reduce that spread. Stay tuned to next week and I want to again thank our healthcare workers who are laboring with a great deal of stress."

Dr. Jose Romero, Section Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, ADH & UAMS, breaks down the 11,547 COVID-19 cases:

  • 731 new cases
    • 3,218 in community
    • 207 in prisons
  • 3,764 active cases
  • 203 hospitalizations
  • 49 on ventilators
  • 7,607 recoveries
    • That is 66% of the total COVID-19 cases in the state.

Dr. Romero is asking the state of Arkansas to:

  • Stay six feet from others
  • Avoid contact with sick people
  • Wash your hands often
  • Use sanitizer face covering
  • Keep covering on your face the entire time you're in public

1:30 p.m.

During the daily press conference, Gov. Hutchinson announced 731 new cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas. There are 11,547 total positive coronavirus cases in Arkansas. This is the largest increase 24-hour positive case increase Arkansas has seen to date.

Out of the total number of COVD-19 cases in the state, 3,764 cases are active.

There were five additional new deaths, bringing the total to 176.  Arkansas saw huge increase in hospitalizations, bringing the total up to 203.This is the highest number of hospitalizations that Arkansas has seen.

New COVID-19 cases in the top counties from last 24 hours:

  • Washington County - 220
  • Benton County - 91
  • Madison County - 32
  • Lee County - 25
  • Pulaski County - 25
  • Sebastian County - 2

Arkansas completed 5,591 COVID-19 tests within last 24 hours. This is the highest number of tests completed in a 24-hour period to date.

Credit: Data Source: Arkansas Department of Health

Gov. Hutchinson mentioned Tyson Foods results of a facility-wide testing for COVID-19 at its Berry Street poultry facility in Springdale, Ark. Of the 1,102 team members who work at the facility and were tested onsite between June 4 and June 6, 199 tested positive.

RELATED: Tyson Foods reports 199 positive COVID-19 cases at Springdale plant after facility-wide testing

_____________

Thursday, June 11

1:40 p.m.

Dr. Nate Smith breaks down the 10,816 COVID-19 cases:

  • 448 new cases
    • 440 in community
    • 8 in prisons
  • 3,294 active cases
    • 140 in nursing homes
    • 199 in prisons
    • 2,955 in community
  • 187 hospitalizations
  • 45 on ventilators
  • 7,351 recoveries

Dr. Ivy Pfeffer, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education said the state is preparing for onsite instruction this fall for students with Arkansas Ready for Learning. It is a plan that allows flexibility for learning options in case interruptions occur.

Credit: KTHV

Arkansas school districts are encouraged to form their own "ready for learning" committees to discuss plans.

Credit: KTHV


Watch Thursday's press conference here: 

1:30 p.m.

During the daily press conference, Gov. Hutchinson announced 448 new cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas. There are 10,816 total positive coronavirus cases in Arkansas.

There were six additional new deaths, bringing the total to 171.  Arkansas saw another increase in hospitalizations, bringing the total up to 187.This is the highest number of hospitalizations that Arkansas has seen.

New COVID-19 cases by county from last 24 hours:

  • Washington County - 143
  • Benton County - 78
  • Pulaski County - 37
  • Carroll County - 13
  • Faulkner County - 12
  • Pope County - 10
  • Crittenden County - 10

Arkansas completed 4,914 COVID-19 tests within last 24 hours.

Credit: Data Source: Arkansas Department of Health

__________

Wednesday, June 10

Dr. Nate Smith breaks down the 10,368 COVID-19 cases:

  • 288 new cases
    • 228 in community
    • 60 in prisons
  • 3,087 active cases
    • 138 in nursing homes
    • 199 in prisons
    • 2,750 in community
  • 181 hospitalizations
  • 49 on ventilators
  • 7,116 recoveries

1:40 p.m.

Gov. Hutchinson announced the state of Arkansas is entering into Phase II. Phase II will begin on Monday, June 15.

This means restaurants can open at 2/3 capacity. The state will take a new targeted approach in Benton and Washington counties where there has been a large uptick in cases. 

"We are not out of the woods when it comes to this health care emergency," Gov. Hutchinson said. "In fact, the emergency order remains for an additional 45 days past it's expiration date."

The governor said the health officials will still urge people to wear masks, continue to push testing and businesses to follow all guidelines. 

RELATED: Here's what Phase 2 means as Arkansas continues to reopen economy

Watch Wednesday's press conference here: 

1:30 p.m.

During the daily press conference in Pine Bluff, Gov. Hutchinson announced 288 new cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas. There are 10,368 total positive coronavirus cases in Arkansas.

There were four additional new deaths, bringing the total to 165.  Arkansas saw an increase in hospitalizations, bringing the total up to 181.This is the highest number of hospitalizations that Arkansas has seen.

New COVID-19 cases by county from last 24 hours:

  • Pulaski County -  51
  • Washington County - 44
  • Benton County - 37
Credit: Data Source: Arkansas Department of Health

______________

Tuesday, June 9 

1:40 p.m.

Dr. Nate Smith breaks down the 10,080 COVID-19 cases:

  • 340 new cases
    • 306 in community
    • 34 in prisons
  • 3,044 active cases
    • 141 in nursing homes
    • 139 in prisons
    • 2,764 in community
  • 173 hospitalizations
  • 44 on ventilators
  • 6,875 recoveries

Dr. Nate Smith said in Jefferson County, the fatality rate has been disproportionate to the rest of the state. He said 8.4% of cases have succumbed to COVID-19. Largely because many cases early on were in nursing homes, where complications were much higher.

Watch Tuesday's 1:30 p.m. press conference here: 

1:30 p.m.

During the daily press conference in Pine Bluff, Gov. Hutchinson announced 340 new cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas. There are 10,080 total positive coronavirus cases in Arkansas.

There were six additional new deaths, bringing the total to 161.  Arkansas saw an increase in hospitalizations, bringing the total up to 173.This is the highest number of hospitalizations that Arkansas has seen.

Arkansas completed 4,849 COVID-19 tests within last 24 hours.

Credit: Data Source: Arkansas Department of Health

____________

Monday, June 8

1:40 p.m.

Dr. Nate Smith breaks down the 9,740 COVID-19 cases:

  • 314 new cases
    • 301 in community
    • 13 in prisons
  • 2,955 active cases
    • 139 in nursing homes
    • 106 in prisons
    • 2,710 in community
  • 171 hospitalizations
  • 46 on ventilators
  • 6,630 recoveries

New COVID-19 cases by county from last 24 hours:

  • Washington County -86
  • Benton County - 41
  • Pulaski County - 13
  • Sevier County - 11
  • Sebastian County - 11
  • Saline County 11

Arkansas has tested over 28,800 people in the month of June. The state is consistently testing over 4,000 people a day. 

Watch Monday's press conference here: 

1:30 p.m.

During a press conference, Gov. Hutchinson confirmed he put the Arkansas National Guard on normal status. This means they are no longer working the protests.

RELATED: Gov. Hutchinson deactivates National Guard from assisting local, state police during protests

Gov. Hutchinson announced 314 new cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas. There are 9,740 total positive coronavirus cases in Arkansas.

There was one additional new deaths, bringing the total to 155.  Arkansas saw a huge increase in hospitalizations, bringing the total up to 171.This is the highest number of hospitalizations that Arkansas has seen.

Arkansas completed 4,131 COVID-19 tests within last 24 hours.

Credit: Data Source: Arkansas Department of Health

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