UAMS released new predictive models today showing the number of cumulative cases in the state could reach 8,500 by June 23. The Governor says we are now at a critical point. He added that the state cannot enter Phase 2 of re-opening the economy with an upward trajectory. He said the direction we go from here depends on the discipline of Arkansans.
We have now surpassed the goal of testing 60,000 Arkansans for COVID-19 in the month of May. More than 61,000 tests have been conducted since May 1.
Health Secretary Dr. Nate Smith says Arkansas is seeing an increased amount of cases in the Latino community. Of the 151 new cases reported today, 42% were Latino patients.
It was announced this afternoon that Dr. Nate Smith has accepted a position with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta. He will continue to serve as Arkansas’ Health Secretary through August 28. Dr. Jose Ramero, a pediatric infectious disease specialist, will serve as Interim Director.

2020 Covid-19_infographic_2020-05-26.pdf