COVID-19 deaths top 1,500, state sets record for testing

New COVID-19 cases again topped 1,000 in Arkansas and confirmed deaths rose above 1,500 in Friday’s (Oct. 16) report from the Arkansas Department of Health. Total cumulative cases rose by 1,015 to reach 97,539, which includes positives from PCR tests and antigen tests.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson focused his daily statement on the state’s record level of testing.

“Yesterday we saw another new record in our testing efforts. With over 15,000 total tests, we can see the results of our investment and commitment to grow Arkansas’s testing infrastructure. This weekend is critical as we continue to battle COVID-19. Remember to wear a mask, keep your distance, and wash your hands frequently,” Gov. Asa Hutchinson said.

COVID REPORT – Oct. 16
New known COVID-19 cases, active cases, tests
• 92,117 known cumulative cases, with 759 new community cases and 55 cases in correctional facilities
• 5,422 “probable” cases, up from 5,221 on Wednesday
• There are 7,420 active cases, up from 7,272 on Wednesday
• There were 11,066 test results provided in the previous 24 hours.
There were 3,946 antigen tests in the previous 24 hours with 538 positives.

Deaths
• 1,514, up 20
• 151 “probable” COVID-related deaths, unchanged

Hospitalizations
590, down 4

Ventilators
102, down 4

Recovered cases
83,174

The top five counties with new known cases reported Friday were: Pulaski (74), Washington (61), Craighead (53), Pope (35), and Benton (27). The counties accounted for 33% of the 759 new community cases.

As of Friday at 4 p.m., there were 8,030,623 U.S. cases and 218,330 deaths. Globally, there were 39,131,360 cases and 1,101,083 deaths.