Arkansas reports more than 1,400 new coronavirus cases; some travel restrictions to return

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas has reported its biggest one-day jump in COVID-19 cases in five months.

The Department of Health said Tuesday that the state’s cases rose by 1,476 to 358,949 since the pandemic began. It’s the biggest one-day jump reported by the state since Feb. 5, when it added 1,824 cases.

The state’s COVID-19 hospitalizations rose by 41 to 606. Arkansas’ cases have continued to surge, fueled by the delta variant and the state’s low vaccination rates.

The state leads the country for new cases per capita, according to Johns Hopkins University research data.

The Chicago Department of Public Health announced Tuesday that unvaccinated travelers from Missouri and Arkansas have to either quarantine for 10 days or have a negative COVID-19 test. The restriction goes into effect Friday.

Both states have met Chicago’s mark of at least 15 daily infections per 100,000 residents.

Health officials say other states could be added if cases continue to rise, including Nevada, Louisiana, Utah and Florida.

For a map of vaccination locations, click here.

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