Arkansas reports 21 COVID-19 deaths

(From Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson)

Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,202 new cases; 8,730 active cases; 612 hospitalized, which is down 24 from Wednesday; 96 on ventilators, which is down 3 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 21, for a total of 1,772; a total of 102,798 cases; 87,311 recoveries; PCR tests, 10,039; antigen tests, 1,405.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 115; Benton, 93; Craighead, 70; Washington, 50; and Garland, 39.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

“I continue to watch the week-to-week trends. Last Thursday, we reported 1,278 new cases. Today, there is a slight decrease to 1,202 new cases. If the trend continues similar to last week, then we will see around 1,000 new cases tomorrow. 

"Let's work to beat last week's numbers as we are challenged in this pandemic. Let's pull together; let’s protect each other and be safe. Earlier today, I spoke with Secretary Alex Azar of the Department of Health and Human Services on vaccine distribution plans. There is hope on the horizon.”