LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) – Arkansas health officials on Saturday reported 547 additional confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 11 more deaths due to COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus.
There are a reported 56,199 cases and 674 deaths, up from 55,652 cases and 663 deaths on Friday, according to the Arkansas Department of Health. 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 health department reported 5,761 active cases and that 49,764 people have recovered.
On Friday, when the state reported a record 22 additional deaths, Gov. Asa Hutchinson and state Health Secretary Dr. Jose Romero said they were concerned about the increase in cases coming from social gatherings where people aren’t wearing masks or following social distancing guidelines.
On Saturday, Hutchinson tweeted that taking precautions will slow the increase in the number of virus infections.
“We have seen progress over the past few weeks, but we cannot rest yet. Wear a mask and social distance to slow the spread,” of the virus, according to the tweet.
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