Updated: Arkansas lawmakers to meet again amid coronavirus outbreak

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) – Arkansas lawmakers will meet as planned for this year’s legislative session amid the coronavirus outbreak, but leaders hope to wrap up work in less than two weeks, the state Senate’s president said Friday.Senate President Jim Hendren said the Legislature will move forward with the session focused on the state’s budget starting Wednesday. Hendren said legislative leaders hope to end the session by April 17 or 18.The session is taking place after two members of the state House tested positive for COVID-19. Arkansas has had at least 687 cases.For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

The session will have the same social distancing restrictions as last week, when lawmakers met in a marathon special session to approve a $173 million coronavirus fund. The House met in a 5,600-seat basketball arena instead of the Capitol. Both chambers will again allow members to vote by proxy.

The Senate and Joint Budget Committee will also have restrictions on the number of members allowed in the room.

LACK OF STAY-AT-HOME DEFENDED

Hutchinson continued to defend the state’s decision to not issue a broad stay-at-home order despite Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, suggesting all states should be under such a restriction.

Arkansas is one of a handful of states that hasn’t implemented a stay-at-home order, and Hutchinson noted the federal government hasn’t called every to state to take that step.

“What’s important is that has not been given,” Hutchinson said. “The CDC, I watch their guidelines regularly, and they have not indicated that’s an appropriate or necessary step across the country.”

Arkansas has imposed sweeping restrictions, including bans on gatherings of more than 10 people and prohibiting sit-down service at bars and restaurants. Similar restrictions, however, were commonly in place in other states that have since moved to a stay-at-home order.

Hutchinson said he planned to talk Monday with city and county officials about what steps they can take. Several cities, including Little Rock, have implemented nighttime curfews or other restrictions.

President Donald Trump on Friday also approved Hutchinson’s request to declare a major disaster in Arkansas because of the outbreak.

POLICE OFFICER INFECTED

The Little Rock Police Department said an officer has tested positive for coronavirus.

The department said on Twitter said the officer had self-quarantined more than a week ago after the potential exposure. The department did not say when the officer was tested.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported Thursday that three Little Rock Fire Department employees have tested positive.

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