LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) – The first death of a health care worker in Arkansas is among two additional deaths in the state due to COVID-19, officials said Sunday, as Gov. Asa Hutchinson said nearly 2,000 inmates will be considered for early release in response to questions about possible compassionate release of at-risk inmates.
The death of a Jefferson Regional Medical Center worker is one of two that bring to 40 the number who have died in the state due to COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, according to state Health Secretary Dr. Nathaniel Smith.
The number of coronavirus cases rose by 42 to at least 1,781.
Hutchinson said 348 inmates at the state’s maximum security unit have tested positive for the virus, an increase of 118 from Saturday.
Hutchinson said he has asked the state parole board to review 1,990 non-violent, non-sex offender inmates statewide who are due for release within six months for possible early release.
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.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI