Coronavirus deaths rise to six, cases to 426 in Arkansas

The number of coronavirus deaths in Arkansas has risen by one to six, the number of cases increased by 18 while the number of hospitalized virus patients fell by five, Gov. Asa Hutchinson and state Secretary of Health Dr. Nate Smith said on Sunday.

“While it’s too early to know for sure, we are encouraged that we are not accelerating as fast some other parts of the country,” such as New York, where the number of deaths due to the virus are nearing 1,000, Hutchinson said.

Coronavirus cases in the state rose from 404 to at least 426 and the number of hospitalizations dropped from 48 to 43, according to Smith.

Hutchinson said Arkansans should continue limiting their contact with others.

“Our social distancing, our discipline, our limitations on gatherings is having an impact, we’re on the right strategy, we just have to keep the course, not quit on this and work hard on this every day,” Hutchinson said.

For most people, the 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.