Governor Hutchinson 11/17/2020 COVID Press Conference
>The winter COVID task force and the subcommittees have been meeting
>Thursday Governor Hutchinson will be on a conference call with VP Biden and his transition in conjunction with Gov Hutchinson’s role as the Vice Chair of National Governor’s Association
> White House report for Arkansas uses this language, “given the change and the slope of the last two weeks (post Halloween) Arkansas is on the precipice of a rapid, accelerating increase in cases which will be followed with new hospital admissions.”
> As we look at the approaching holiday season, Arkansas will have an additional 1,000 deaths because of COVID before Christmas. We must follow the guidelines to take control of the virus.
> Up 1,554 cases in the last 24 hours- combination of confirmed and positive
> 1,145 confirmed cases in the last 24 hours
> 409 probable cases in the last 24 hours
> 16,576 active cases, up 91
>895 are currently hospitalized.
> Increased number on ventilator
> Continue with significant testing. 7,452 PCR tests in the last 24 hours; 3,234 antigen tests in the last 24 hours
> To date in November- 166,519 PCR tests
> To date in November- 27,320 antigen tests
> Northwest public health region has the largest number of active cases
> Three W’s= wear your masks, wash your hands, and watch your distancing.
> Strongly suggests not taking people out of congregate settings like a nursing home for holiday celebrations.
> ADH will need to hold people accountable in restaurants. They have been giving warnings for four months, accountability will be a bit more aggressive for those who are not in compliance.
> Gave an update on the business interruption grant- available for those in the hospitality and personal care industry. Grants will be provided based on reimbursements for certain costs. Portal open through November 25 (not a first come, first serve grant). www.ArkansasReady.com 888-722-1554 is the Business Interruption Center
> Schools affected by COVID 19: Nov 8- 14= 46 alternations from normal learning plan. An additional 16 made modifications. 62 current learning modifications.