LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) – Arkansas on Saturday reported 851 new cases of the coronavirus and 14 additional deaths.
Meanwhile, the state’s total number of cases dropped Saturday from the day before after people who were tested in Arkansas but identified as residents of other states were removed, Dr. Austin Porter, the Arkansas Department of Health’s deputy chief science officer, told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
He said the state recently contracted with a third-party vendor to clean up its coronavirus data.
On Saturday, the state’s total number cases since the start of the pandemic was listed as 51,992, a decrease of 400 compared to 52,392 on Friday.
The true number of cases in Arkansas is likely higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.
The 14 additional deaths put the state’s total at 600. Health department spokesman Gavin Lesnick told the newspaper that one previously reported death was removed from Friday’s total of 587 for being a duplicate or out-of-state resident.
On Friday, Gov. Asa Hutchinson said Arkansas high school football stadiums will be limited to two-thirds capacity because of the coronavirus. Under new rules he issued for school sports venues, spectators at school sports venues will have to keep a 6-foot distance between each other and will have to wear a mask if theyre at least 10 years old.
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.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI