LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KAIT) - Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Dr. Nate Smith, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Health, announced Wednesday that over 3,000 people have tested positive and 59 deaths of COVID-19.
Gov. Hutchinson also announced that on May 11, restaurants can reopen “limited” dine-in eating as long as social distancing and health precautions are enforced. Hutchinson also said that restaurants can only have 33% of their maximum occupancy.
If Phase 1 is successful, Hutchinson said that restaurants might be able to expand to 66% of their maximum occupancy, and the Phase 3 would be 100%.
Hutchinson said they would announce when restaurants could move forward.
As of 10:45 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, officials said 3,207 people have tested positive for COVID-19, with 1,279 people who have recovered.
Hutchinson also announced a new initiative to instill consumer confidence when the state begins to reopen.
“Arkansas Ready for Business” is a grant program to offset expenses associated with ensuring the health & safety of employees and customers.
A total of $15 million is available in the program to assist companies in the re-start phase. The money will help with PPE, hand sanitizing stations, etc.
Companies are eligible for up to $100,000 in total.
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