LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 2,426 new cases; 16,533 active cases; 884 hospitalized, which is up 15 from Tuesday; 142 on ventilators, which is up 1 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 46, for a total of 4,985; a total of 300,430 cases; 223,644 recoveries; PCR tests, 10,060; antigen tests, 1,813.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 318; Garland, 185; Faulkner, 173; Benton, 172; and Washington, 154.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

"Today's report shows an increase in new cases from last week, but we still show a decrease in active cases from last week. Our vaccination efforts continue to progress, with over 15,600 additional doses administered yesterday. We have been trending in the right direction, and we all need to wear a mask, watch our distance, and wash our hands to ensure that trend continues."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 73
Active Confirmed Cases: 27
Active Probable Cases: 46

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 93
Active Confirmed Cases: 42
Active Probable Cases: 51

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 43
Active Confirmed Cases: 24
Active Probable Cases: 19

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 88
Active Confirmed Cases: 72
Active Probable Cases: 16

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 14
Active Probable Cases: 5