Governor Hutchinson 11/10/2020 COVID Press Conference
>There is no good news in the numbers and reporting today. We have a lot of work to do in Arkansas and across the nation. We have to remind ourselves of the responsibility we have
>Up 975 PCR confirmed cases, 449 probable antigen cases. 1,424 new cases in the last 24 hours.
>Testing strong at 7,175 PCR tests and 1,787 antigen tests
>Counties with 20 or more cases (there are now 20 counties on that list): Pulaski 131, Washington 114, Benton 104,
>256 positive cases in the Benton County jail
>There are hundreds of cases that are coming from places of worship. When people congregate together there is a risk associated with it.
>New guidelines for places of worship:
It is possible to worship safely in-person if ADH guidelines for places of worship are followed.
Masks need to be worn at all times by all congregants, except those who are exempt under ADH guidelines. Masks are the biggest factor that contributes to safe worship.
Strict 6-foot physical distancing applies to everyone aside from family groups, both indoors and outdoors. Seating in the sanctuary should follow this distancing.
Unmasked congregational singing is the primary driver of transmission in churches- even if people are six feet apart. Singing produces aerosols that can increase the risk of transmission of COVID-19.
>Dr. Sonny Tucker, Executive Director Arkansas Baptist State Convention. We must follow safety guidelines and consider the holidays.
>Seven day rolling average is going up. Daily average of confirmed new cases continues to go up.
>There are over 10,000 active cases.
>Hospitalizations are also up to over 810. Hospitals are having to make adjustments due to COVID cases.
>Percent positivity of PCR tests around 8.6%
>Northwest is the top public health region of new cases.
>Growth rate by age group: 0-17= 7.6% growth rate, 18-24=5.5% growth rate, 25-44=6.5% growth rate, 45-64=7.4% growth rate, 65+=8.6% growth rate
>Benton County has a 14% positivity rate
>MASKING, SOCIAL DISTANCING, WASHING HANDS
>Vaccine being worked on has a 90% efficacy rate, which is similar to the vaccines we use for children to prevent whooping cough diphtheria, and approaches measles.
>New monoclonal antibody that can be used to fight the virus. The State will receive 900 doses to help treat COVID.
>Last week 21 schools had to make on-sight adjustments. The previous week 6 schools that had to make modifications. Schools have very difficult decisions to make. The rumor that the State is going to call off school from Thanksgiving to Christmas is just that, a rumor and unsubstantiated.