Known COVID-19 cases top 75,000, deaths rise by 20

Hopes that lower COVID-19 case numbers in recent days would be a trend were dashed Wednesday (Sept. 23) when the Arkansas Department of Health reported 874 new cases and 190 positive results from antigen testing. The ADH report also included 20 more COVID deaths.

Wednesday’s report also showed a rise in hospitalizations and the number of COVID patients on ventilators. Gov. Hutchinson said the report is a reminder of how serious the virus continues to be.

“Today we are again reminded of the serious nature of COVID-19. Following the guidelines of the Arkansas Department of Health continues to be the most effective way to mitigate the spread of this virus. Wearing a mask, keeping a six-foot distance, and frequently washing your hands will help slow the spread of COVID-19 throughout the state,” he said in a statement sent by his office.

COVID REPORT – Sept. 23
New known COVID-19 cases, active cases, tests
• 75,646 known cumulative cases, with 848 new community cases and 26 cases in correctional facilities
• 2,317 “probable” cases, up from 2,209 on Tuesday
• There are 6,383 active cases, up from 6,188 on Tuesday
• There were 6,460 test results provided in the previous 24 hours.
• There were 1,732 antigen tests in the previous 24 hours with 190 positive results.

Deaths
• 1,080, up 20
• 149 “probable” COVID-related deaths, up 1

Hospitalizations
468, up 9

Ventilators
90, up 2

Recovered cases
68,178

The top five counties with new known cases reported Wednesday were: Craighead (79), Pulaski (75), Benton (57), Washington (51), and Jefferson (50). The counties accounted for 36.8% of the 848 new community cases.

As of Wednesday at 1 p.m., there were 6,911,844 U.S. cases and 201,253 deaths. Globally, there were 31,713,913 cases and 972,895 deaths.