•Sadly, the first COVID-19 related deaths have been reported in Arkansas. Since yesterday, two people have lost their lives as a result of the virus.

•There are now a total of 218 cases in the state. Of those cases, 14 patients are in the hospital and 6 are on a ventilator. Positive cases include 11 children, 73 individuals who are 65 or older, and 134 adults ages 19-64.

•The Governor announced that 24 pallets of personal protective equipment (PPE) from the national strategic stockpile arrived in Arkansas early this morning. This includes 27,800 N95 masks.

•An additional 1 million units of PPE has been ordered and expected to arrive this weekend.

•These shipments will cover the needs of our emergency workers for the next 60 days based on current usage rates.

•Health Secretary Dr. Nate Smith encouraged families to consider options for funerals which honor the lives of loved ones in a way that does not increase the spread of the virus. This could include small outdoor services or postpone memorials.

•House and Senate leadership are working on arrangements for the special session announced yesterday by the Governor.  We will update you once plans are finalized and a formal proclamation is issued.

2020 Covid-19_infographic_2020-03-24.pdf