LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The death toll from coronavirus in Arkansas stands at 38 with 1,739 positive cases in the state, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced in an April 18 news conference. The governor was joined by Arkansas Department of Health Secretary Dr. Nate Smith as they released the latest information on the impact of COVID-19 in the state. Additional details they provided:
Governor Hutchinson started by thanking EMT and ambulance workers that have been working day and night during this time of difficulty.
He then updated the positive case numbers to 1,739 cases, which does not include Cummins Correction facility.
The hospitalizations are at 86 which is down 7 from yesterday, and one new death making the total 38 deaths in Arkansas
There have been 703 recovers which is up 110 from yesterday.
The Secretary of Commerce working with rural hospitals to identify financial needs, and they are working on getting $10 million to 27 different hospitals from a community development block grant.
UAMS will receive $500,000 for telemed in rural areas in Arkansas.
Dr. Cam Patterson with UAMS said they are working on mobile testing and telemed to help with other ailments
He said that drive-thru screening is not available in all areas yet.
UAMS has put together a mobile unit under the chair of pathology for screening and testing that will try to go to three communities per week.
The Governor then announced that he gave an executive order to create the Arkansas Economic Recovery Task Force.
This task force will consist of:
Steuart Walton, Chair of Committee
Wes Ward, Agriculture
Mike Preston, Commerce
Stacy Hurst, Parks and Tourism
and 26 to 27 other members
The task force expectation is to meet in industry groups, and will look at guidelines consistent with public health requirements, to give the public confidence.
