Arkansas reports 32 COVID-19 deaths

(From Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson)

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

In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,112 new cases; 16,140 active cases; 1,063 hospitalized, which is up 33 from Sunday; 201 on ventilators, which is up 16 from Sunday; deaths added today, 32, for a total of 2,502; a total of 157,359 cases; 122,926 recoveries; PCR tests, 9,669; antigen tests, 531.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 153; Craighead, 86; Washington, 64; Garland, 58; and Benton, 56.

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

“Today's increase in hospitalizations will continue to strain our health care system. Our frontline workers need our help as we head into the winter months of this pandemic. 

"Today, I received briefings from FDA Director Hahn; Dr. Fauci and Sec. Azar on the vaccine distribution plans as well as what is needed to meet the pressure on our health care system. Based upon national trends and expert concerns on the holiday season, it does seem that we are in the lull before the storm. 

"I expect the antigen testing to pick up again later in the week and that is where many of the positive cases are identified. I applaud our health department team and all the health care workers who have been so diligent during this entire pandemic.”