Hutchinson says ‘spend money’ as state economy starts to reopen

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Saturday encouraged residents to “tip very generously” and “spend money” when they head back into public in the coming days as stores, restaurants, malls and other venues start to reopen.

Arkansas is among a handful of states where governors did not issue broad stay-at-home orders seen in most of the U.S. during the coronavirus pandemic, but Hutchinson has imposed other restrictions.

Restaurants can reopen their dining rooms May 11, but only at one-third their capacity. Hair salons, barbershops, tattoo shops

and massage therapists can reopen Wednesday with new rules on customer interaction, including limits on how many people can be inside and screening of customers and staff.

“Wear a mask,” Hutchinson said at a news conference. “Follow the guidelines of the retail shops and make sure you do your social distancing … I hope that we get out, I hope that we spend money. But I hope we make sure that we follow those guidelines.”

Hutchinson, a Republican, said restaurant workers won’t make as much with smaller crowds in dining rooms.

“I hope we all tip very generously,” Hutchinson said. “They’re not going to have the same level of tip income … It’s not the ideal circumstance.”

Also Saturday, the state Department of Corrections announced two inmates had died while undergoing coronavirus treatment. Both were in their

60s and serving life sentences, the agency said.

Arkansas has more than 850 inmates and employees under a coronavirus-related quarantine, corrections officials said.

Health officials announced Saturday the state has at least

3,372 infections, although the number is likely higher because many people have not been tested and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.

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.