Day 40 – Mon. Apr. 20, 2020

Here are some Key Notes, Statistics, and Video for Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson’s news update on the COVID-19 pandemic. The Governor welcomed First Lady Susan Hutchinson, as well as Mischa Martin, who is Director of the Division of Children and Family Services.

He presented four different charts. The 1st is the daily number of cases, the 2nd is a 7-day rolling average of the cases, the third is that same chart but without correctional facilities, and the 4th is tests per month per 1,000 people by state.

The governor said the state wants to expand to broader surveillance testing, so they can make better predictions for the fall. Hutchinson stressed that social distancing, masks, etc will still be required even though the state is reopening someone on May 4th.

Smith addressed as social media question about contact between grandparents and grandchildren. Smith stated that contact between those two age groups will not be recommended in phase one. He stated that because children have a higher rate of spreading disease, and those over 65 or at larger risk of vulnerability, this won’t be recommended until a later phase. he recommends making connections by video conferencing on a phone app or computer.

The doctor stated that out of 890 test results received yesterday, only 1% or positive. Of the 142 total new cases, 22 were from the community (120 were incarcerated). he also stated that they will continue to expand tracing and are hiring another 120 staff members this week to train to do that job.

Susan Hutchinson spoke to bring attention to the fact that April is Child Abuse Awareness Month. She said there is a Child Abuse Hotline available 24/7 at 1-844-SAVE-A-CHILD.

Misha Martin, Director of the Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS), stated that since the pandemic started, their office has received 3,148 calls to the hotline and that it’s almost a 50% increase over last year. She also stated the availability of help is there for children and adults with two other hotlines:

Mental Health & Addiction Services Support Line at 1-844-763-0198, available Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, available 24/7.

“Our children are not coming in contact with as many professionals who normally report abuse and neglect, so we need your help in the community. If you suspect abuse or neglect, please call the hotline,” Martin urged. “You do not have to know that abuse or neglect is happening, but if you suspect it, I encourage you to call the hotline. I understand that it may be a difficult decision to get involved, but we need your help and more importantly, the children need your help.”

Dr. Nate Smith, State Secretary of Health listed the current statistics for COVID-19 patients below:

1923 cases
- 117 of the new cases are from Cummins Prison
- Testing is nearly finished at Cummins
- More results are coming from Cummins
- 1133 active cases
93 hospitalized
- 7 admitted
- 2 released
42 deaths
721 recovered
1020 active cases
24 on a ventilator
128 nursing home residents
244 healthcare workers
- 149 healthcare workers recovered