Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce & Associated Industries of Arkansas: Summary of Governor Hutchinson's March 25 Press Conference

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, March 26 -- Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas issued the following news release on March 25:

Gov. Hutchinson's goal of the daily updates is to let everyone know the challenges and what is being done to address them. Also, to report on plans and what the public can do, along with their responsibilities. Everyone is living this every day.

Yesterday we had 218 cases. Today we have 62 new cases for a total of 280. There are now cases in two new counties, Drew and Hot Springs.

At first, they weren't sure their testing lab capabilities would be enough to know where we really stand. But they now believe they have sufficient testing among the Arkansas Department of Health, UAMS and commercial labs to know where we are.

The Governor is grateful for our federal Congressional delegation who are doing yeoman's work.

The state is also very grateful for our doctors, nurses and lab technicians. The length of this crisis is going to create fatigue and some health workers may need to isolate to protect themselves. To be prepared, the Governor has asked the Medical Board to expedite licensing. The Board did this by allowing medical residents who have completed one year of residency to be licensed. There are 15 medical residents eligible for the expedited temporary licensing. The Medical Board also accelerated their overall licensing process and there are now more than 100 new licensees. The Nursing Board has also adopted an enhanced licensing process and they have 300 new nurses that were licensed in March. Some nurses have been laid off from clinics due to the cutback in elective surgeries, but they can get referrals to places that need help from Sue Tedford, Director of the Nursing Board.

To successfully slow the trend line in Arkansas, the public needs to abide by the guidance of the Arkansas Department of Health. In particular, the guideline to avoid social gatherings of 10 or more will be made into a directive for inside social events.

The Governor has signed a Proclamation for a Special Session that will start at 1 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday, March 26). The bill's language and communication has been completed and the requested legislation can be passed in a timely fashion without extension.

Last week, more than 9,000 unemployment insurance claims were filed. Thus far this week, 8,700 more claims have been filed including 700 this morning. Patience is urged because this is unprecedented volume. Processing is going as fast as possible, but the current wait time on the UI hotline is about 25 minutes.

Dr. Nate Smith, Secretary of Health

The total coronavirus cases are now 280 with a breakdown of 13 children who are ages 18 and under, 94 adults ages 65 and over, and 173 adults ages 18-64. 60% of the cases are women. African-American cases are 15% and 74% are white.

Currently, 12 patients are hospitalized and 4 are on ventilators. There are 41 nursing home cases and 11 people meet their criteria to be considered recovered.

There have been a total of 1,437 negative tests, with 675 reported by the Arkansas Department of Health and 762 reported by commercial labs.

It's important to reach out to each other as normal interaction is important, so reach out to your neighbors, friends and older Arkansans by phone etc.

The state's guideline recommending avoidance of social gatherings of 10 or more will become a directive. Everyone is urged to be mindful of where they are; don't crowd together.

Many churches are using video and other remote methods to avoid gatherings.

Arkansas Secretary of Veterans Nate Todd

All 5 medical centers that treat veterans are available for testing. Access is also available via telephone and video. This is serious, so let's follow the guidelines.

Q&A

Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott said that hospitals are at capacity but only 12 COVID-19 patients?

Dr. Smith said there have only been 27 total hospitalizations. But flu and other issues impact hospitals. They are looking ahead for ways to expand medical beds.

The Governor said there is ample room for current needs. He's talked to the Little Rock Mayor and knows he is looking to the future.

There are discussions about where additional hospital bed capacity can be created, but it won't be with tents. There may be beds that are currently not in operation.

The Governor said there are 8,000 hospital beds in Arkansas. But they need to be properly located to meet the needs of COVID-19 patients and there are concerns whether there are enough ICU beds available.

Was there a trigger for the social gathering, was there a particular concern?

The Governor said there's just been media reports and calls. They are stressing the importance of this opportunity. He does not want to go to shelter in place, so if everyone does their responsibility, we can be successful. Indoor social events of 10 or more are not what we need to have occur.

Dr. Smith said they aren't trying to lay down the law. Outdoors is less risk because there is better ventilation, plus in daytime you have UV radiation to degrade the virus, so if 6-foot spacing is done then being outdoors is good and healthy.

The Governor expects the public will work hard to abide by the directive. It does carry the power of law. If someone sees a big gathering, a law enforcement component exists. But the intent is to not be heavy-handed; people will just be asked to disperse. Over the next 24 hours, they will create specificity for the directive. Again, the state is trying to avoid other steps.

How many counties have cases?

Dr. Smith said to look at the ADH website. Areas with no cases may be because there's been no testing yet and many are rural.

What about the two nursing homes other than Briarwood?

One had one case and the other only two cases.

False negatives can occur if the test is done too soon after infection. Still following priorities on who to test.

Any hope to provide rest for healthcare workers?

Dr. Smith said as we go along, they'll have to bring in others and/or bring in folks to do tasks that don't need training/licensing.

What about the budget cuts, how will they be managed, and will the fund created with reserves be sufficient?

They have a $350 million shortfall as a result of the economic slowdown and the state pushing back tax payments to coincide with the federal government's revised schedule. $170 million is being put into a fund that will allow easier management. The Medicaid trust fund and educational excellence funds are being looked at. The $170 million will not prevent constraint in other agencies. The state will need to reduce travel, revise the budget and reduce expenses. Obviously, Medicaid is important. They don't want to use all of the $170 million, so they'll have a cushion for other needs like respirators. The Legislature will give him flexibility.

Tax delay authority?

Governor said the authority to change the individual tax filing deadline to match the individual federal tax filing deadline of July 15 is given to the Governor by statute and is consistent with emergency powers. The authority will be stated in the proclamation.

Total UI Claims?

There were 9.400 last week. There have been 8,700 thus far this week.

Number of cases that are healthcare workers?

Dr. Smith said he did not have that information with him, but the ADH does have it.

Below is the video of the Governor's press conference.

See link here (https://youtu.be/SDIxE8kLGes)