Arkansas - COVID-19 Covered

Arkansas

Total Cases: 281,382 (January 23)
Tests Administered: 2,383,073 (January 22)
Fatalities: 4,549 (January 23)
Testing:
  • Information on COVID-19 testing in Arkansas can be found here.

ECONOMIC RESPONSE

Essential Service Designations:

  • Governor Hutchinson announced some nonessential out-patient medical procedures can resume on April 27. (April 22)
  • Governor Hutchinson issued an executive order directing commercial lodging and short-term rentals, such as hotels, motels, and vacation rentals, to only permit certain types of guests in order to protect public health during the COVID-19 crisis. (April 4)

Labor & Workforce Guidance, Standards and Regulations:

  • Governor Hutchinson issued an executive order that will require employers to pay for medical care and provide time-off pay for workers who test positive for COVID-19. (June 15)

Economic Stimulus & Relief:

  • Arkansas has applied for the new federal program that would provide $300 additional dollars a week for unemployed residents. (August 20) 
  • Governor Hutchinson issued an executive order creating the Governor’s Economic Recovery Task Force, which will develop an industry-specific strategy and provide recommendations for the state’s economic recovery. (April 18) 

Business Support & Resources:

  • Governor Hutchinson issued an executive order granting all businesses and their employees immunity from civil liability as a result of exposure to COVID-19. (June 15) 

SOCIAL RESTRICTIONS

Reopenings:

  • Governor Hutchinson extended the state of emergency for another 60 days. (December 29) 
  • Governor Hutchinson announced that some indoor venues would need prior approval from the Arkansas Department of Health when holding an event with ten or more people attending. (December 23) 
  • Five Arkansas health workers, including the state’s surgeon general, were among the first in the state to receive COVID-19 vaccinations on December 14. (December 14) 
  • The Arkansas Health Department issued a directive requiring businesses licensed to sell and allow consumption of alcohol on their premises to close by 11:00PM. (November 19) 
  • Some police departments in Arkansas refused to enforce mask requirements—even within their departments—citing political opposition and limited resources. (July 26) 
  • Governor Hutchinson issued an executive order mandating face coverings be worn in public. (July 16) 
  • Governor Hutchinson signed an executive order allowing cities to implement mandatory mask ordinances. (July 3) 

SCHOOL PLANNING

K-12:

  • Students in Arkansas returned to in-person classes today. (August 24) 
  • Governor Hutchinson said that high school student-athletes will be safer if school sports are allowed to proceed this fall. (August 12) 
  • Governor Hutchinson created a new task force to examine high school sports during the pandemic. (July 31) 
  • Governor Hutchinson announced that he is committed to opening schools as planned on August 24. (July 21) 
  • Schools in Conway will mandate masks be worn by students in the 5th grade and above. (July 9) 
  • Arkansas Department of Education Commissioner Johnny Key announced updated guidance for schools as they prepare to reopen for fall classes, including advising students to wear face coverings while riding the bus. (June 23) 

State Higher Education:

  • A list of Arkansas colleges and universities planning to reopen in the fall can be found here. 

Giving Opportunities

April 20, 2020

Requesting medical supplies, including sanitizer, IV sets and masks for workers.

Produced by Marathon Strategies, an independent PR firm that delivers intelligent communications and research solutions. For information, email Phil Singer at COVID-19@marathonstrategies.com