The number of new confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases in Arkansas increased by 945 on Monday, down a bit from the record-setting numbers recorded over the weekend.
The state added a record 1,870 new cases on Friday and 1,598 on Saturday, causing concern among state health officials for what could be a tough winter ahead.
“(Friday’s record high) numbers show we are not in a good position as we head into the colder months,” said governor Asa Hutchinson on Twitter Friday. “I ask all Arkansans to take this virus seriously & to take precautions. Our number of new cases is growing at a rate that worries me in terms of our hospital capacity.”
Of the new cases added Monday, 829 were confirmed from PCR testing, and 116 cases are considered probable after detection by antigen testing.
Hospitalizations in the state increased by 45 Monday, as the total number of Arkansans hospitalized reached a new all-time high at 786.
The increase in the state’s hospitalizations, which typically lags behind new case increases, is also a concern among state officials.
“We continue to see a high level of hospitalizations across the state. This increase can affect everyone, even those who have not contracted COVID-19,” Hutchinson said on Monday. “We all have a responsibility to our friends, family, and neighbors to do our part as we fight this virus.”
There were 23 additional deaths reported Monday, bringing the toll to 2,108.
There are currently 12,488 cases of COVID-19 considered active in the state, which includes those that have tested positive by both PCR and antigen testing methods. This is also a record high.
The state reported 9358 new PCR tests on Monday, along with 721 new antigen tests.
The state has reached 122,813 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began.
The top counties for new cases announced Monday were Pulaski (128), Washington (79), Independence (75), Sebastian (56), and Benton (49).
Monday, Nov. 9
Sunday, Nov. 8
Saturday, Nov. 7
Friday, Nov. 6
