Summary from Governor’s press conference today, March 20th, 2020 (link in comments):
? 96 cases, impacting 2 new counties, Benton and Green.
? 3 Long-Term Care Facilities have been impacted (see link in comments for specifics). AR Dept. of Health (ADH) is working to test all staff and residents at those facilities.
? Those infected include:
8 children
62 people ages 19-64
26 people ages 65+
BUSINESS OPERATIONS:
?Governor Hutchinson requested SBA Disaster Declaration for AR and the SBA granted APPROVAL today!
?While dining-in, bars, gyms, and other indoor venues are closed temporarily, manufacturing and other businesses are to continue on with proper precautions in place (screening and social distancing).
?There is NO INTENT TO FURTHER RESTRICT OR CLOSE BUSINESSES in Arkansas.
? Department of Finance and Administration is authorizing a $30M advance to leverage our collective buying power as a state to purchase PPE. The state is working with Dr. Patterson at UAMS to determine PPE priorities. This procurement will take time but it is in the works.
?Our National Guard is engaged. They helped work the Call Center at ADH and took the call backlog from 500 down to 10. Thank you!!!
FROM EDUCATION SECRETARY KEY:
?US Department of Ed is establishing a waiver process for states that cannot test. AR is seeking a waiver to cancel the ACT Aspire test this year. It will be approved.
?This will impact the K-2 assessment along with the Dynamic Learning Map Assessment. These tests will not be given this year.
FROM ATTORNEY GENERAL RUTLEDGE:
?Giving $3M (in addition to $4M previously given) from the Consumer Education and Enforcement Fund (this is a settlement fund-no tax dollars) to Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Quick Action Loan Program. This will assist with getting money to small businesses.
?Received 185 complaints on price gouging. Many have been fake-people posting jokes about selling items at high prices on social media. Please do not make price gouging jokes on social media. You will be contacted by AG’s office.
?24 of those complaints are now active investigations.
?Beware of fake COVID-19 websites asking for your personal information. Please rely on ADH and CDC websites for any information you need.
? If someone comes to your door saying they are with CDC, they are trying to scam you. Close your door. Do not give your information to them.
?Please be patient with any FOI requests.