JONESBORO, Ark. – More than 900 in Arkansas had the coronavirus, confirmed tests showed Tuesday.
8:42 PM
Arkansas Total: 997
Deaths: 18
Recoveries: 152
Total Tested: 13,778
Six positive cases had been reported in Randolph County, with six positives also being reported in Greene County. Craighead County rose to 23.
In his 1:30 PM press conference, Governor Asa Hutchinson also said more than 1,400 new tests had been processed since the day before. Dr. Nate Smith said the amount of new positive tests that came out of the increased amount of tests was the lowest positivity rate yet. 26 are on a ventilator in Arkansas – four more than the day before.
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Current as of 8:42 PM
NEA Summary
Clay County: 1-4 positive, 35 negative
Craighead County: 23 positive, 199 negative
Crittenden County: 58 positive, 330 negative
Greene County: 6 positive, 178 negative
Independence County: 5 positive, 49 negative
Jackson County: 0 positive, 16 negative
Lawrence County: 1-4 positive, 52 negative
Poinsett County: 6 positive, 25 negative
Mississippi County: 1-4 positive, 28 negative
Randolph County: 6 positive, 115 negative
Sharp County: 1-4 positive, 14 negative
Don’t see your county? View the ADH map here.
Current as of 4:00 PM
United States Total: 386,800
Deaths: 12,285
Recoveries: 21,191
Global Total: 1,412,103
Deaths: 81,103
Recoveries: 298,389
1:30 PM
Dillards closing 200 stores or more
Little Rock-based Dillards has announced in recent filings that it will close at least 200 of its 285 stores temporarily due to the coronavirus. Read more from the Dem-Gazette
Governor gives 1:30 PM update
Kroger reducing maximum customers allowed in stores
Beginning today, Kroger is reducing the capacity of customers by 50-percent in their stores to better allow for social distancing to take place. The company has existing technology at its stores that calculate the number of customers in real-time. Read more from Region 8 News.
From Monday:
Congressman Rick Crawford Applauds Farm Bureau’s Efforts to Connect Unemployed Veterans with Farmers Impacted by COVID-19
press release
Washington — Monday, Arkansas Farm Bureau revealed a partnership with Lt. Governor Tim Griffin, Arkansas National Guard, Arkansas Department of Agriculture, Arkansas Department of Veteran’s Affairs, and more to address the current Agriculture labor shortage. The Farm And Rancher Ranch Mission or FARM Corps will connect willing veterans who are struggling with job loss with local farmers and ranchers who are suffering labor shortages caused by COVID-19.
“Food Security is national security, and no two groups understand that better than the farmers who produce our food, and the military members who secure our nation. In this challenging environment brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, farmers across Arkansas are dealing with a labor shortage, while National Guard and Reserve soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines, as well as veterans in general are struggling with job loss,” said Crawford. “I’m proud to support FARM Corps in their broad efforts to bring farmers and veterans together with the common mission of securing American agriculture.”
Background:
The current COVID-19 pandemic has caused strict travel restrictions at a time when the nation’s Agriculture producers are both planting fall crops and harvesting summer crops. As a result, many farmers are experiencing large labor shortages in areas where they typically use foreign labor through the H2A visa program.
Jonesboro mayor stresses masks for public interactions
press release
Workers in food preparation, drive-thru services and anyone who has to interact with others in close quarters should wear a mask to reduce chances of transmitting or acquiring the coronavirus, Mayor Harold Perrin said Monday.
Perrin has been wearing his own mask for a week and strongly advocates all of Jonesboro to wear masks when doing business in public.
“Of course, a mask is not guaranteed protection against COVID-19,” Perrin said. “But I’ve seen too many people who are not social distancing, and both masks and social distancing are crucial to getting us through this time.”
Perrin cited the change in Centers for Disease Control protocol, in addition to his own experience, in the request. “In those moments when we can’t be at home or social distancing when we are out, a mask is our last line of defense. Anyone not wearing a mask puts themselves and everyone they encounter at risk.”
Perrin and Dr. Shane Speights, a City medical director, also stressed the importance of social distancing among student-aged children.
“In talking with Dr. Speights, he pointed out the large numbers of 21 and under who are still getting together out and about,” Perrin said. “Young adults need to hear this message and heed it. Parents of children need to find a way to keep them from leaving home to hang out with friends. This is serious, and everyone should treat it seriously.”
Visualizing the spread across Arkansas
This story will be updated all throughout Tuesday, April 7, 2020 with coronavirus related headlines. Check back and refresh for the latest information.
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