6 PM

Cumulative Confirmed Cases: 4,236

Deaths: 97

Recovered: 3,277

Total Active Cases: 862

Total Tested: 75,818

Source: ADH Website

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6 PM

COVID in NEA

• Craighead: 113 cases, 79 recoveries, 0 deaths, 2,013 negatives
• Poinsett: 25 cases, 22 recoveries, 2 deaths, 295 negatives
• Greene: 24 cases, 20 recoveries, 0 deaths, 1,069 negatives
• Clay: 3 cases, 3 recoveries, 0 deaths, 367 negatives
• Randolph: 22 cases, 19 recoveries, 0 deaths, 683 negatives
• Lawrence: 71 cases, 43 recoveries, 4 deaths, 422 negatives
• Crittenden: 216 cases, 180 recoveries, 7 deaths, 1,782 negatives
• Cross: 34 cases, 22 recoveries, 0 deaths, 371 negatives
• Jackson: 1 case, 1 recovery, 0 deaths, 154 negatives
• Mississippi: 54 cases, 22 recoveries, 0 deaths, 573 negatives
• Sharp: 26 cases, 6 recoveries, 2 death, 188 negatives

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6 PM

United States: 1,347,936 positive

80,684 have died. 232,733 have recovered.

Global: 4,201,921 positive

286,835 have died. 1,467,412 have recovered.

Source: Johns Hopkins University.

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Tracking the Growth

Friend of NEA Report Dr. Pat Carroll of Pocahontas is helping us track the data with numerous informational graphs, all updated daily at his website located here. 

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ATTORNEY GENERAL ALERT: Antibody Testing Marketed to Have Exaggerated Capabilities

Says, ‘take advantage of Arkansans during the pandemic by making unsubstantiated claims about COVID-19 related tests will be identified and prosecuted’ 

(press release)

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas is gradually opening the door and life is slowly going back to normal, but Arkansans are looking for ways to protect their families as well as neighbors and friends while reconnecting. Antibody tests, or serology tests, are thought to be a useful resource to identify asymptomatic individuals, who have recovered from COVID-19 or who may have had COVID-19 and recovered, but were never tested. However, any antibody tests on the market claiming to accurately determine antibodies may be exaggerating the tests’ capabilities to diagnose COVID-19.

“Arkansans are being thoughtful as they reconnect with their loved ones, but are also considering the risks to those in the most vulnerable populations,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “Those who are trying to take advantage of Arkansans during the pandemic by making unsubstantiated claims about COVID-19 related tests will be identified and prosecuted.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “serologic test results have limitations that make them less than ideal tools for diagnosing people who are sick. Depending on when someone was infected and the timing of the test, the test may not find antibodies in someone with a current COVID-19 infection.”

Attorney General Rutledge has identified tips for Arkansans to use when considering antibody testing:

• Antibody tests should not be used to diagnose someone as currently sick with COVID-19; you should contact your health care provider if you suspect active COVID-19
• Most health insurance pays for COVID-19 testing if a person has symptoms or has been exposed
• Do not believe advertisements for vaccinations or medications to prevent or treat COVID-19 that are not recommended by the CDC or your health care provider
• Tests should be administered by a health care professional – there are no approved or reliable take-at-home antibody tests
• Do not disclose personal or financial information to an unknown person or on an unfamiliar website or social media because it could result in identity theft or fraud
• Paying a lot of money does not make a test more accurate or keep you safe from COVID-19

For more information, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or oag@ArkansasAG.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov.

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Boozman Helps Introduce Bill to Make Local Media Outlets Eligible for Coronavirus Relief

(press release)

WASHINGTON—As local newspapers and broadcasters continue to struggle with the financial impacts of the coronavirus crisis, U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) has joined with colleagues to introduce legislation that will make these outlets eligible for relief from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

“Arkansans rely on the quality coverage we receive from our local newspapers, television affiliates and radio stations to remain informed throughout this crisis. Local newsrooms are reporting important details residents need that are not included in national coverage. At a time when we need this communication more than ever, these outlets are suffering from a dramatic reduction in advertising revenue leading to decisions to downsize, furlough workers or close. Ensuring the viability of local news outlets is critical to maintaining access to information,” Boozman said.

Local newspapers and broadcasters have seen a sharp decrease in advertising revenue since the onset of the coronavirus crisis. In the last few months, local newspapers have lost as much as 50 percent of advertising revenue, and the National Association of Broadcasters found that some local broadcasters have reported losses of up to 90 percent. As a result, local news outlets find themselves in a precarious financial situation, putting thousands of jobs in jeopardy.

In an effort to stem the tide, Boozman signed on as an original cosponsor of the Local News and Emergency Information Act of 2020—authored by Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA)—which would allow local newspapers, radio and TV stations to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). An outlet would qualify as long as its individual physical location meets the separate size standard set by the Small Business Administration (SBA), which limits newspapers to fewer than 1,000 employees and caps gross receipts for broadcasters at less than $41.5 million.

The funding would have to be used to keep local reporters and those who support them on the job as they produce local news, information, content or emergency information. To that end, the SBA could require the newspaper, radio or TV station to demonstrate that the loan is necessary for this purpose. No portion of the loan could be paid or transferred to a parent company or used for other purposes.

This legislation follows on the heels of an effort Boozman joined urging Senate leadership to ensure that future legislation includes a fix to the SBA’s affiliation rule to make thousands of local newspapers, TV and radio stations around the country eligible for small business assistance under the PPP.