Governor Hutchinson 12/29/2020 COVID Press Conference
> Extending Public Health Emergency an additional 60 days. It was set to expire on December 30.
> 2,718 new cases (1,449 confirmed cases and 1,269 probable cases)
> There are 1,161 people hospitalized
> Up 66 deaths in the last 24 hours to 3,603.
> 5,307 PCR and 6,457 Antigen test results came in in the last 24 hours
> Top counties: Pulaski 424, Benton 214, Garland 149, Washington 145, Faulkner 110, White 110
> We are getting the vaccines as expected; moving quickly for health care workers
> 31,700 Moderna doses are in, but only around 1200 vaccines have been distributed by the pharmacies. These are designated for people in long term care facilities.
> By January 16, every long-term care facility will have been offered a clinic for the vaccine.
> We expect to see a surge in cases from holidays, we are still seeing a 1/3 increase in daily new cases since Thanksgiving. 10% in hospitalizations since Thanksgiving.
> There are only 5% ICU beds available right now, but this in not spread out throughout the state. There are places in Arkansas where there are not beds available.
> Only 21% hospital bed capacity throughout the state.
> Asking to reconsider New Year's Eve celebration plans.
> Wear your mask, wash your hands, watch your distance, avoid crowds
> Getting about $558 million for education relief (K-12)
> Above the 10% positivity rate for PCR tests. 26% positivity rate for antigen tests.
>Over 330,169 PCR tests in December; 80,931 Antigen tests in December.