Active COVID cases in Arkansas near 80,000; UAMS hits record number of patients

KUAR | By Michael Hibblen

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

Michael Hibblen/KUAR News

UAMS Clinical Services Manager Deborah Hutts speaks to staffers in July 2020 before they began conducting COVID-19 testing.

State's Alternative Care Sites Scheduled To Begin Accepting COVID-19 Patients Next Week

By ZUZANNA SITEK

As hospitalizations for COVID-19 throughout Arkansas remain at all time highs, the state and its healthcare partners are preparing for the continued upward trend in cases by opening two alternative care sites next week. The facilities, which will provide 124 additional beds, will be located in Little Rock and Van Buren and will mostly be used to care for low-acuity COVID-19 patients.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/states-alternative-care-sites-scheduled-begin-accepting-covid-19-patients-next-week