Governor Hutchinson 12/1/2020 COVID Press Conference
-> 37% of ICU beds are used by COVID patients. In some regions, that number is much higher (57% in Southwest region). 35% in Northwest region
-> Hospitals, healthcare workers, Governor’s office, ADH are all working together to have a plan for increased hospital bed usage by COVID patients.
-> In the last 24 hours: an additional 1,142 confirmed cases, 808 probable cases = 1950 total new cases
-> Up 11 hospitalizations to 1,074
-> Up 10 deaths to 2,521 Arkansans who have died from COVID
-> Testing= 5,165 PCR tests; 4,365 antigen tests came in Monday.
-> Top counties: Pulaski 178, Benton 171, Washington 140, Saline 101, Greene 92
-> 333,142 PCR tests in November
-> 59,171 antigen tests done in November
-> Seeking approval from the State Education board to expedite applications and accelerated licensing for teachers this next semester.
-> 29 active modifications in schools at this time, down from previous weeks. Main driver is staffing issues when distance learning is used.
-> Engage Arkansas Campaign= engaging students who have not been as engaged. There are 110 districts that have opted in.