Governor Hutchinson Provides Thursday, Dec. 17 COVID-19 Update

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided Thursday, Dec. 17 update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 3,039 new cases; 21,659 active cases; 1,084 hospitalized, which is up 5 from Wednesday; 188 on ventilators, which is up 4 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 38, for a total of 3,112; a total of 194,543 cases; 146,287 recoveries; PCR tests, 14,056; antigen tests, 3,275.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Washington, 326; Pulaski, 288; Benton, 226; Craighead, 153; and Saline, 113.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

“The 3,039 new cases today is a milestone we did not want to reach. With over 17,000 COVID-19 test results over the past 24 hours, we see our testing continues to increase and identify cases. If we isolate and quarantine as needed, then the identifying of cases will help control the spread. We continue to work on vaccine distribution, but we have to focus on distancing and wearing our mask to slow this virus down."