Arkansas has had its first two deaths from the coronavirus outbreak. Faulkner County’s deputy coroner says a 91-year-old man died Tuesday morning at a Conway hospital from COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus.
The other death was a 50-year-old individual. Both were not in a nursing home, but one did have an underlying condition, state health officials said today at Gov. Hutchinson’s statewide briefing.
The number of coronavirus cases in the state increased from 201 on Monday to 218 as of mid-afternoon Tuesday, according to officials. Gov. Hutchinson said Arkansas was still on the “lower end of the slope” as cases continue to rise. His health team stressed again, that despite talk of relaxing some restrictions in the near future, residents still need to stay clear of gatherings of 10 or more and practice social distancing along with the other recommendations for the Centers for Disease Control.
The governor said he was pleased with the testing being administered in the state, and he praised commercial labs for stepping up their efforts in processing the number of tests.
Hutchinson also said that in order to confront the estimated $350 million shortfall for Arkansas in the next three months, the special session of the legislature will be called into session Thursday to address the state government needs as “quickly” as possible.
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The new White River Now mobile app has started featuring regular COVID-19 updates and podcasts. In addition to the updates featured on the White River Now family of radio stations, the COVID-19 podcast section also features two new interviews with Sen. James Sturch and state Rep. Stu Smith. Download the free White River Now app today from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, and keep up-to-date on all local and state coronavirus information and to listen to the streams of White River Now radio stations.
We also carry live feeds of Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s COVID-19’s briefings on-air, online, and through the White River Now app on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ and on White River Now’s Facebook page.
Get up-to-date local and regional news along with the latest sports and weather every weekday morning by listening to Gary B. on Ozark Newsline, broadcast from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ. White River Now updates are also aired weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and 99.5 Hits Now. Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Add don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
