State's virus total rises to 22; schools now closed
Washington,
March 17, 2020
State's virus total rises to 22; schools now closed
Arkansas Democrat Gazette 03/17/2020 FAYETTEVILLE -- Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Monday announced six new cases of covid-19 in Arkansas, bringing the total to 22. The disease also has spread to a fifth Arkansas county: Cleburne. Cleburne County is in north central Arkansas and doesn't adjoin the other four counties where the virus has been confirmed. They are Pulaski, Saline, Jefferson and Grant. Hutchinson on Sunday closed all public schools in Arkansas for nearly two weeks to help the state get a better understanding of the local spread of the new coronavirus. The closing begins today, but many schools in Arkansas were already closed. The plan is to reopen public primary and secondary schools March 30, the governor said Sunday, although there may be additional spot closings in some areas for a few days as new infections are found. The governor and other state officials held a briefing on the situation at Washington Regional Medical Center on Monday. Johnny Key, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Education, suggested parents with children out of school try to establish routines as much as possible. "School districts are also making extra efforts to continue to feed students, so I'd suggest that you visit with your school district to see how students within your district can continue to be served," said Debbie Jones, superintendent for Bentonville Public Schools, who attended the briefing. Jones said the school district will take extra steps to protect students' health when in-person instruction resumes. Hutchinson praised Washington Regional for establishing a testing site apart from its main buildings. He said the state is increasing its testing capability, and people can expect to see more positive test results as more people are tested. The Arkansas Department of Health was able to test about 40 people a day as of Monday, said Meg Mirivel, spokeswoman for the department. |
