Arkansas reports 38 COVID-19 deaths

(From Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson)

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

In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 2,893 new cases; 22,516 active cases; 1,110 hospitalized, which is up 7 from Tuesday; 174 on ventilators, which is up 1 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 38, for a total of 3,376; a total of 207,941 cases; 155,447 recoveries; PCR tests, 8,604; antigen tests, 3,697.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Washington, 272; Pulaski, 265; Benton, 260; Faulkner, 123; and Craighead, 109.

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

"Today's high number of cases is concerning as we're two days away from Christmas. This is frequently a time to gather with our family in large groups, but this year that presents an increased risk of spreading COVID-19, so let’s plan with our safety guidelines in mind. Please protect yourself and your family."