News

With recent legislative approval, $55 million of federal funds provided to Arkansas through the CARES Act is being directed to the Arkansas Ready for Business Grant Program. The program will provide direct grants to businesses for expenses associated with ensuring the health and safety of employees and patrons. AEDC will begin accepting applications this Tuesday […]

Of the 27 new cases reported today, 14 were from a correctional facility. The Governor said this is the lowest increase in cases we have seen in some time.The co-chairs of the Arkansas Legislative Council and of the ALC PEER Subcommittee approved a measure to direct $55 million of CARES Act funding to the Arkansas […]

The Arkansas Department of Health lifted several restrictions and issued new directives for restaurants, gyms, and hair salons this week. While Arkansas takes steps to re-open the economy, we recognize the challenges still ahead. This week, we want to update you on the programs available to help Arkansas employees and businesses during this difficult time. […]

The Governor announced today that barber, cosmetology, massage therapy, body art, and medical spa services will be allowed to resume on May 6.The new directives for these services include:·      Ten or fewer people in the facility·      Larger facilities, no more than 30% of stations in operation·      No walk-in appointments· […]

The Governor announced today that restrictions for gyms and fitness centers will be lifted May 4. Directives for gyms and fitness centers will include Screening for staff and patrons. No entry for:  Recent travelers to NY, NJ, CT, New Orleans, and overseas. Those with fever, symptoms, recent contact with COVID-19 patient. Anyone with compromised immune […]

The Governor announced today that restaurants will be allowed to offer limited dine-in service beginning May 11.Initially, restaurants will be limited to 33% capacity. Phase 1 directives for dine-in operations include:·     Physical distancing between patrons and tables·     Reservations encouraged·     Face coverings·     Gloves for staff·     Daily […]

Arkansas State Parks made several announcements today. First, camping for self-contained RVs for in-state residents can resume on May 1.On May 15, cabins, lodges and RV rentals will be available to in-state residents on Friday-Monday.Park restaurants and foodservice facilities, museums and exhibits, retail including visitor centers and gift shops, marinas and rental equipment will open […]

Arkansas saw an increase in testing over the weekend as a result of the testing surge campaign promoted by the administration. More than 40,000 tests have been conducted in Arkansas so far with an average positivity rate of 7.5%. Yesterday’s testing of 1,506 had a positivity rate of 1.8%.This afternoon, the Governor reviewed the gating […]

In the last 24 hours, health officials have received results for more than 2,800 tests. It is the largest single day of testing so far. To date, 34,745 tests have been conducted in Arkansas. Overall, 7.9% had positive results.Anyone who thinks they have symptoms is being encouraged to get a test today and tomorrow.The Arkansas […]

Child abuse does not stop during a pandemic. But since many of the state’s mandated reporters such as teachers and pastors are not interacting face to face with Arkansas children right now, the number of reports coming into the hotline have decreased by 50%The director of Children Advocacy Centers of Arkansas, Elizabeth Pulley says that […]