Arkansas cases during the coronavirus pandemic top 80,000

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Health officials say the number of reported Arkansas coronavirus cases has topped 80,000.

That’s after the addition Saturday of 809 cases of the virus that causes COVID-19 brought the state’s total caseload since tracking of the pandemic began in March to 80,755, including 2,495 probable cases.

The actual number of cases in Arkansas is likely higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.

According to a tweet on the Arkansas Department of Health Twitter page, the state also reported 454 people were hospitalized, with 92 people on ventilators due to the virus.

Active cases rose by 165 to 7,414. There also have been 19 COVID-19 deaths reported Saturday, bringing the state’s death toll to 1,285.

Locally, three of the deaths were in Region 8 - one death was reported in Poinsett County and two deaths were reported in White County.

Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Region 8 News contributed to this report.