The current Public Health Emergency for the state of Arkansas was extended until March 31.
Governor Asa Hutchinson noted the declaration will be revisited and consideration will be made for further extension dependent on COVID-19 activity in the state.
All current health directives were immediately reclassified as guidance.
The rules being lifted include capacity limits for restaurants, bars, gyms, and large venues.
The Governor said the public has been responding very well to the directive of wearing a mask, washing hands, and adhering to social distance guidance.
Hutchinson said if the state’s positivity rating stays below 10% and our hospitalization numbers continue to decline, the mask mandate could be lifted on March 31.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
