Arkansas saw an increase in testing over the weekend as a result of the testing surge campaign promoted by the administration. More than 40,000 tests have been conducted in Arkansas so far with an average positivity rate of 7.5%. Yesterday’s testing of 1,506 had a positivity rate of 1.8%.
This afternoon, the Governor reviewed the gating criteria for Phase 1 of the White House Opening Up America Again guidelines. While the state has not seen a documented decline in cases for 14 days, there is a decline in the percentage of positive tests and visits to the ER for COVID-like symptoms. There is also a more than adequate number of hospital beds and ventilators and robust testing for health care workers. Overall, the Governor says Arkansas is doing well in meeting criteria.
Elective surgeries were allowed to resume today per a previous directive from the Governor. He is expected to make announcements for other industries later this week.
In response to a question regarding an open letter from Tyson’s foods over the weekend addressing the possibility of a food supply shortage, the health department says none of the 60 food processing plants in Arkansas have been closed. A health department team made an informal visit to Tyson’s last week. The Governor says Arkansas is critical to the nation and world in the food supply chain and he does not expect the disruptions for Arkansas plants.

2020 Covid-19_infographic_2020-04-27.pdf