LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A newly formed task force dealing with the coronavirus in Arkansas will begin meeting Monday, a day after COVID-19 hospitalizations hit a new record high in the state.
Hospitalizations rose to 830 on Sunday, which is a record high for the state since the pandemic began. The state also reported 874 new cases of the virus on Sunday, Gov Asa Hutchinson said.
"We had significant testing and lower numbers. This is part of weekend lag but I am grateful for all who follow the guidelines and are making a difference," he said.
On Monday, the Winter COVID-19 Task Force will meet to discuss how to deal with Arkansas' surge in virus cases and hospitalizations. Hutchinson announced the panel on Friday, the same day the state reported a single-day record of 2,312 cases.
The task force includes 19 physicians, state officials and health care executives. Hutchinson will serve as the chair of the committee and Arkansas Surgeon General Dr. Greg Bledsoe will serve as vice chair.