Cases of COVID-19 continue expanding rapidly in Arkansas. The state reported nearly 13,000 new infections on Thursday, setting another record for the second day in a row. The number of active cases grew to nearly 80,000 people, according to the Department of Health, which is the highest since the pandemic began.

The actual number of cases is likely higher as the state this week began distributing hundreds of thousands of free rapid at-home tests, with results typically not reported to authorities. Officials say the tests have been snatched up quickly at locations like local health units and hospitals.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-01-13/active-covid-cases-in-arkansas-near-80-000-uams-hits-record-number-of-patients