Arkansas’ active virus cases continue to rise, deaths at 120

wireready_05-27-2020-21-30-02_00016_covid19

LITTLE ROCK (AP) – Arkansas’ active coronavirus cases continued to rise on Wednesday as the secretary of state announced the state Capitol would reopen on a limited basis next month.

The Health Department said at least 6,277 people in Arkansas have tested positive for the virus, an increase over the 6,180 reported Tuesday. The number of active cases, those excluding people who have died or recovered reached a new high of 1,733.

The true number is likely higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick. Arkansas’ active cases have risen each day since they hit a new high on Friday.

The number of people who have died from the virus increased to 120.

Also Wednesday, Secretary of State John Thursday announced the state Capitol would reopen to the public on June 1, but only from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays. The building would remain closed to the public on weekends. The cafe and gift shop are also closed, and no guided tours or events will be scheduled.

The Capitol has been closed to the public since March 13 because of the pandemic, though it has been open to the building’s staff and lawmakers.

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