There were 1,011 new cases and 6 deaths reported at today’s COVID-19 daily update. Hospitalizations have increased by 9 since yesterday.
Counties with the highest number of new cases are as follows:
Pulaski-182
Jefferson-64
Craighead-53
Mississippi-44
Sebastian-43
Washington-41
Independence-40
The Governor said 100 of the cases from Pulaski County were from a correctional facility in Wrightsville.
The Governor announced a proposal to direct $20 Million from the CARES Act to be used for paid leave for teachers and support staff who must quarantine due to COVID-19 related reasons. Education Secretary Johnny Key said educators could use this leave first before using sick pay.
The Governor also announced an Executive Order to declaring concerns of COVID-19 exposure as a valid reason for requesting an absentee ballot. The order also gives county clerks additional time to prepare ballots for counting. You can read the order here :
https://governor.arkansas.gov/images/uploads/executiveOrders/EO_20-44.pdf .
