Arkansas plans ‘surge’ of virus tests before reopen decision

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) – Arkansas’ governor on Thursday said the state will ramp up coronavirus testing over the next two days as he nears a decision on whether to allow some businesses to reopen.Gov. Asa Hutchinson said the state is launching a “surge” of testing on Friday and Saturday and encouraged anyone in the state with coronavirus symptoms to get tested. Hutchinson said the state aimed to increase the number of tests it performs from about 1,000 to 1,500 during those days.

For most people, the new 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 vast majority of people recover.

Health officials said the number of people in the state with confirmed coronavirus cases reported has risen to at least 2,465 people. and the number of confirmed coronavirus-related deaths has risen from 42 to 45 people.

Hutchinson has said he hopes to lift some of the state’s restrictions on May 4 and said he will begin announcing decisions starting next week. Arkansas is one of a handful of states that doesn’t have a stay-at-home order.

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