Thursday: 3,281 cases to date; 1,881 active cases in Arkansas; State Police to resume skills testing; Gyms reopen May 4

6:30 PM

Cumulative Confirmed Cases: 3,281

Deaths: 61

Recovered: 1,339

Total Active Cases: 1,881

Total Tested: 47,937

Source: ADH Website, Governor’s press conference

Notes: No new cases at Cummins today, still 13 hospitalized and three on a vent from their unit; Federal Correctional Institute in Forest City is now at 101 cases and no new staff; 95 Arkansans overall are hospitalized from COVID-19. 2,520 tests have been performed in the past day with a 1.5 percent positive rate.

Also, the total number tested went down since the last update.


6:30 PM

NEA County Numbers:

  • Randolph County: 17 positive, 11 recoveries, 502 negative
  • Clay County: 3 positive, 0 recoveries, 233 negative
  • Cleburne County: 73 positive, 62 recoveries, 158 negative, 4 deaths
  • Craighead County: 74 positive, 43 recoveries, 947 negative, 0 death
  • Crittenden County: 187 positive, 113 recoveries, 1,017 negative, 5 deaths
  • Fulton County: 1 positive, 0 recoveries, 76 negative
  • Greene County: 16 positive, 6 recoveries, 658 negative
  • Independence County: 9 positive, 5 recoveries, 171 negative
  • Jackson County: 1 positive, 1 recoveries, 76 negative
  • Lawrence County: 59 positive, 6 recoveries, 257 negative, 2 deaths*
  • Mississippi County: 19 positive, 8 recoveries, 195 negative
  • Poinsett County: 21 positive, 9 recoveries, 125 negatives
  • Sharp County: 6 positives, 3 recoveries, 49 negative
  • Don’t see your county? Click here to find it on ADH’s map.

*According to State Rep Fran Cavenaugh, there were three total deaths at a Walnut Ridge nursing home as of Tuesday morning, despite only two being shown by the ADH for Lawrence County.


6:30 PM

United States: 1,067,289 positive

62,870 have died.

Global: 3,249,667 positive

232,936 have died.

Source: Johns Hopkins University.


Tracking the Growth

The latest numbers have been added to graphics by our friend Dr. Pat Carroll, who is helping us track new cases and active cases by date.

Updated Thursday afternoon at 3 PM, courtesy Dr. Pat Carroll
Updated Thursday afternoon at 3 PM, courtesy Dr. Pat Carroll

1:30 PM

Gyms to resume operations May 4 – with restrictions

Thursday afternoon, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced gyms would begin reopening on May 4 (Monday). However, numerous restrictions and safety measures must be taken by the fitness locations. Face coverings must be worn by all – except when actively exercising. No pools, spas, showers, or saunas will be allowed.

94774336_10158356202879025_1939513480327462912_n.jpg


More announcements from governor coming

On Friday, May 1, an announcement will be made regarding beauty salons, barber shops, and body art establishments.

On Monday, May 4, expect an announcement regarding places of worship and larger congregations of gathering size.

https://www.youtube.com/c/GovernorAsaHutchinson/live


Restaurants to begin limited dine-in service starting May 11

Restaurants will be opened for limited dine-in service beginning on May 11, Governor Hutchinson announced on Wednesday.

In phase one, the governor said capacity will be limited to about 30% of restaurant’s normal limit. Strict social distancing guidelines will be enforced. Bars must still be closed at restaurants – for patrons – but can still serve drinks (just no congregating at the bar).

restaurants

Phase three, which is down the road, will be when normal operations resume.


Dental procedures planned to resume on May 18

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson announced Friday that dental procedures are planned to resume on May 18. He called it a goal and said it could change but indicated plans were, as of now, for business to begin resuming in that field on May 18.


Arkansas State Parks to reopen

As of May 1, camping for instate resident RVs will be opening. Contactless check-in/check-out will be in effect. Campground bath houses will not be reopened.

As of May 15, park restaurants, museums, exhibits, retail, marinas and rental equipment will be open to a limited capacity with social distancing enforced.

Also as of May 15, cabins, lodges, and Rent-A-RV will be resuming with reservations limited to Friday through Monday for in-state residents only.


Jonesboro curfew to be lifted Friday

Mayor Harold Perrin announced Tuesday evening the next steps for Jonesboro to return to normal business and that included releasing the city from curfew this Friday. The curfew, which has been from 10 PM to 6 AM, has been loosely enforced and was enacted primarily to prevent large gatherings at night, city officials said.


6:30 PM

State Police re-opening skills testing to driver license applicants

Site locations pared; Health screening to occur

press release

The Arkansas State Police plans to restore skills testing for driver license applicants next week. The tests will be limited to applicants who use the state police web site for scheduling a skills test and receive confirmation of the test date and time. Additionally, the tests will only be offered at twelve locations across Arkansas.

The web site scheduler for skills tests will be opened to applicants on Monday, May 4th. Applicants should be prepared to choose one of the twelve sites where the skills tests will be offered. The scheduler tool can be accessed at https://www.ark.org/asp_driver_scheduler/

On March 18th the Arkansas State Police implemented precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus with temporary and limited adjustments in Class D driver license testing procedures. As the virus threat begins to diminish, the locations for license testing will be limited since many of the city and county facilities used by the state police remain closed to public access.

The continuing COVID-19 pandemic will require Class D skills test applicants to remain inside their vehicle at the open testing sites until a testing agent approaches the vehicle with further instructions.

Effective next Monday anyone at a state police facility for purposes of being administered any form of a driver license test (Class D written or skills and commercial driver license) will be required to wear an appropriate face mask covering both the mouth and nose, pass a health assessment survey, and be willing to submit to a body temperature scan. Social distancing practices will be mandatory at all testing sites. The new precautionary measures were developed in conjunction with the Arkansas Department of Health.

Additional information and pre-requisites for driver license testing can be found at https://asp.arkansas.gov/services-and-programs/detail/driver-examination


 

 


This story will be updated throughout the day on Thursday, April 30, with coronavirus related headlines. Check back and refresh for the latest numbers. 

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