COVID-19 deaths rise by 16 to surpass 1,400

LITTLE ROCK — The number of confirmed and probable deaths in Arkansas due to the illness caused by the coronavirus has risen by 16 and surpassed 1,400 total on Saturday, according to the Arkansas Department of Health.

There are a reported 1,407 total deaths, 1,260 confirmed and 147 probably due to

COVID-19, the department said, compared to 1,391 confirmed and probable COVID deaths on Friday.

The department reported

82,851 confirmed cases of the virus and another 3,674 probable cases, compared to 82,309 confirmed and 3,470 probable cases a day earlier. The actual

number of cases in Arkansas 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 new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms 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.

Arkansas’ revenue nearly $159M above forecast

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas’ finance office on Friday said the state’s revenue has come in nearly $ 159 million above forecast so far this fiscal year.

The Department of Finance and Administration said the state’s net available revenue in September totaled $591.9 million, which was $12.2 million less than the same month last year and $65.1 million above forecast.

The state’s net available revenue for the fiscal year that began July 1 totals $1.74 billion.

Individual income tax collections last month totaled $320 million, which was $17.8 million less than September 2019 and $ 48 million above forecast. Sales tax collections in September totaled $231.2 million, which was $21.7 million above the same month last year and $ 18.7 million above forecast.

Corporate income tax collections totaled $77.6 million, which was $10.5 million less than the same month last year and $ 1.8 million above forecast.