Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson was joined by members of his cabinet to update citizens on the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic on Monday. Click below to listen to the entire address:
Coronavirus cases approach 7,500 in Arkansas; no new deaths
ROGERS (AP) — The number of coronavirus virus cases continued to grow in Arkansas, particularly in the northwest part of the state, officials said Monday.
Coronavirus cases grew to at least 7,443 on Monday, an increase of 190 cases from a day earlier, Gov. Asa Hutchinson said. No new deaths were reported, and the statewide toll stood at 133 people.
The true numbers are likely higher, however, because many people have not been tested and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.
Hutchinson said more than 80,000 people in Arkansas were tested for the illness in May.
The virus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in two to three weeks in most people. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
Also Monday, Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott said the city would re-institute a nightly curfew. Scott said large crowds that have gathered to protest the death of George Floyd haven’t followed social distancing guidelines.
The curfew is in effect from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. It exempts people who are traveling to and from work.
“We respect the rights of residents to peacefully protest and fully expect that they will,” Scott said.