Arkansas posts data about coronavirus in school districts, state logs 722 new cases

LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — Four days into Arkansas' school year, districts have reported 222 active COVID-19 cases in public schools. That's a modest number, Gov. Asa Hutchinson said at a virus briefing Thursday, considering there are 480,000 public school students in the state.

On Thursday, officials launched a new site where Arkansans can keep track of cases in schools in their area. Districts with more than five cases will be posted on the Arkansas Department of Health website. Education Secretary Johnny Key said at the news conference the site will present data for public and private schools as well as colleges and universities. But Key said private schools haven't reported any cases.

Hutchinson said the data will provide perspective for parents and teachers. For the state, it will help guide their response for schools with positive cases, he said.

At the news conference, Health Secretary Dr. Jose Romero said some school bands have not been following health guidelines by social distancing, wearing masks and covering instruments.

"If we don't do that, there will be consequences with infections in the bands," he said. "The guidance is there to protect the student and the adults in the area."

The site will be updated on Mondays and Thursdays.

Arkansas reported 722 new cases of COVID-19 and seven additional deaths. After officials pushed for more testing earlier this week, 6,682 people were tested in Arkansas on Wednesday. Hutchinson said he hopes the high numbers reported Thursday are a reflection of increased testing and not an upward trend.

"But it’s a reminder of how many infected individuals are in Arkansas," Hutchinson said. "There’s risk out there."

Hospitalizations fell by two to 433. Romero said the number of virus hospitalizations has dipped to where it was six weeks ago.

Pulaski County, Benton County, Sebastian County and Pope County reported the most new cases in the state.

“I am concerned how often Pulaski County is in the top Counties for new cases...we really need to focus here in Pulaski County.”

Romero said there are 19 cases in a nursing home facility in White County, a County that hasn't been in the top counties for cases before.

There have been 58,745 confirmed cases in the state; 739 people have died. Nationwide, nearly 180,000 people have died from the virus and 5.8 million have been infected.