Arkansas eases hurdles for jobless benefits over coronavirus outbreak

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Tuesday temporarily eased some restrictions for seeking unemployment benefits as the rest of the state’s casinos temporarily closed in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Hutchinson’s order on unemployment insurance for the next 30 days waived a one-week waiting period and made applicants immediately eligible to receive the benefits. It also eliminated any requirements to apply for the benefits in person.

“This will be a relief to anyone who is laid off that they can get more quick cash assistance to make sure their families are cared for,” Hutchinson said at a news conference with health officials.

Hutchinson said he directed the state’s three casinos to close for the next two weeks because of concerns about the coronavirus, which causes the disease called COVID19.

Two casinos, one at a West Memphis dog track and another in Pine Bluff, said they were closing ahead of Hutchinson’s announcement. A Hot Springs horse track said Sunday that it was closing its casino.

“This gives us an opportunity to evaluate where we are,” Hutchinson said.

Despite several other cities and states doing so, Arkansas hasn’t ordered bars and restaurants to close. Little Rock, the state’s largest city, today will begin enforcing a curfew from 12 a.m. to 5 a.m.

Fayetteville, where the University of Arkansas is located, announced new rules for bars and restaurants that will prevent them from filling more than half their capacity. They will also be required to space tables and barstools at least six feet apart.

The Arkansas Supreme Court late Tuesday afternoon suspended most in-person court proceedings around the state through April 3, with several exceptions such as orders of protection, jury trials already underway and emergency child custody orders.