Arkansas reports 751 more COVID-19 cases, 4 more deaths

DE QUEEN, Ark. — Arkansas reported 751 new cases of the coronavirus and four more deaths related to the virus Friday.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson said at a news conference in De Queen that the state is now reporting a total of 26,803 cases and 313 deaths from COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus.

The true number of cases in Arkansas though is likely higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.

The number of people hospitalized on Friday in Arkansas was at 402, an increase by eight from the day before.

Hutchinson on Thursday delayed the start of school by nearly two weeks to give districts more time to prepare for the changes needed because of the virus. Hutchinson has said he wants schools to open for on-site education, but with plans to shift to other options if needed.

Arkansas’ virus cases have dramatically risen since May, when the state began allowing businesses to reopen.

For most people, the new 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.