LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Coronavirus hospitalizations in Arkansas have again set a new record high, as the pandemic’s strains state medical resources.
Health officials say there were 1,216 people in Arkansas hospitals with COVID-19 Saturday, an increase of 31 from the day before.
Arkansas has repeatedly broken previous records for hospitalizations and case counts over the past week as the virus surges following holiday gatherings and travel.
The Arkansas Department of Health also reported 1,597 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, 403 more probably cases, and another 18 deaths.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson says the numbers are deflated by lower testing on New Year’s Day.
In other COVID-19-related news, Arkansas health secretary Dr. Jose Romero is extending the 11 p.m. closing time for bars and restaurants that serve alcohol for 30 days as the number of people hospitalized with coronavirus reached another record high.
An order issued Thursday by Romero says that in consulting with Gov. Asa Hutchinson it was deemed necessary to extend the curfew until Feb. 3 to help control COVID-19.
The previous order issued in November was to expire Sunday.
Above: Screenshot of Saturday’s COVID-19 stats from the Arkansas Department of Health. For more information, click here.
Remember: Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Practice social distancing.
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