The state of Arkansas has nearly reached 20,000 cumulative COVID-19 cases with 19,818 as of this morning (June 29).
Gov. Asa Hutchinson reported 18,740 cumulative cases with 5,707 considered active in the state on Friday, June 26 at his press conference. The number of related deaths was at 249.
Over the weekend, there have been 1,078 new cases and 15 more related deaths. The state saw an increase of 570 new cases from Friday into Saturday and 508 new cases from Saturday into Sunday. According to the Arkansas Department of Health, there are now 5,918 active cases and 264 related deaths.
The number of recoveries is at 13,636 which is an increase of 852 in the past two days.
As the numbers continue to increase in Arkansas, Hutchinson has noted that the state has put a pause on moving to Phase III of reopening.
The governor has also repeatedly stated that face masks will be encouraged to wear in effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19, but he does not plan to enact a statewide requirement. However, both the cities of Little Rock and Fayetteville have imposed mandates that require face masks be worn in most public places.
He appeared on ABC’s “This Week” and CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday to discuss the state’s public health efforts.
Hutchinson will provide an update at his daily 1:30 p.m. press conference later today.
READ MORE: Governor’s Address – Arkansans Getting Back on Their Feet