Briefing Replay: Arkansas sees 100,000 active COVID cases

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KAIT) - Gov. Asa Hutchinson said Friday that the state of Arkansas has seen nearly 100,000 active COVID-19 cases in the state, with high positivity ratings in the state.

Gov. Hutchinson and Arkansas Department of Health Secretary Dr. Jose R. Romero updated the public at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 21, on the state’s response to the coronavirus, including the latest COVID-19 totals of vaccinations, cases, and deaths.

Gov. Hutchinson said the state had about 1,650 hospitalizations due to COVID-19 as of Friday, up 18 since Thursday and 349 in the past week. He said hospital capacity has gone up due to the demand caused by new cases.

The governor also stressed the importance of getting a test if you feel sick and not going directly to an emergency room.

Gov. Hutchinson noted state officials will be watching the need for hospital space over the next week or so and that quarantining for hospital staff has declined.

He also gave people some advice in dealing with COVID at this time.

“If you are sick, stay at home,” Gov. Hutchinson said.

Health Secretary Dr. Jose Romero said while the state is dealing with the COVID outbreak, there has also seen a downward trend in cases among 19-24 years olds.

The state also reported 14 new deaths due to COVID, leaving the death toll at 9,484.

There has also been a 35% increase in the positivity rate in the past week, officials said.

Copyright 2022 KAIT. All rights reserved.