Arkansas News

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Understanding the Coronavirus  

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Bowie County has its First Presumptive Case of COVID-19

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TEXARKANA, TX- The first presumptive positive case of COVID-19 in Bowie County, TX has been identified. We are awaiting confirmation from the Texas Department of State Health Services. More details will be released as they become available.

Bowie County has its first presumptive case of COVID-19

Texarkana News TEXARKANA, TX- The first presumptive positive case of COVID-19 in Bowie County, TX has been identified. We are awaiting confirmation from the Texas Department of State Health Services. More details will be released as they become available. Mar. 16 2020 @ 6:05pm

The Bowie County/City of Texarkana, TX Emergency Operations Center is now operating Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call (903) 255-5560.

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Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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How to Protect Yourself

Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. Please consult with your health care provider about additional steps you may be able to take to protect yourself.

Know How it Spreads

  • There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

  • The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

  • The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

    • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).

    • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

  • These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Take steps to protect yourself

Clean your hands often

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

  • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

Take steps to protect others

Stay home if you’re sick

Cover coughs and sneezes

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.

  • Throw used tissues in the trash.

  • Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Wear a facemask if you are sick

  • If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.

  • If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.

Clean and disinfect

  • Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

  • If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

To disinfect:
Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.

Options include:

  • Diluting your household bleach.
    To make a bleach solution, mix:

    • 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water
      OR

    • 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water

    Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.

  • Alcohol solutions.Ensure solution has at least 70% alcohol.

  • Other common EPA-registered household disinfectants.
    Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens pdf icon[7 pages]external icon claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).

Complete disinfection guidance

More handwashing tips

Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings

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From the Center for Disease Control

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Large events and mass gatherings can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in the United States via travelers who attend these events and introduce the virus to new communities. Examples of large events and mass gatherings include conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies. These events can be planned not only by organizations and communities but also by individuals.

Therefore, CDC, in accordance with its guidance for large events and mass gatherings, recommends that for the next 8 weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States.

Events of any size should only be continued if they can be carried out with adherence to guidelines for protecting vulnerable populations, hand hygiene, and social distancing. When feasible, organizers could modify events to be virtual.

This recommendation does not apply to the day to day operation of organizations such as schools, institutes of higher learning, or businesses. This recommendation is made in an attempt to reduce introduction of the virus into new communities and to slow the spread of infection in communities already affected by the virus. This recommendation is not intended to supersede the advice of local public health officials.

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Arkansas Public Schools Temporarily Closed

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Governor shuts down all Arkansas schools for two-week period; programs throughout the local area are cancelled as well.

For the complete story, visit:

https://www.dequeenbee.com

Governor shuts down all Arkansas schools for two-week period; programs throughout the local area are cancelled as well

Closures and cancellations are sweeping the community and state as COVID-19 has taken root in Arkansas. Governor Asa Hutchinson, on Sunday afternoon, said in a press conference that all Arkansas schools will close by Tuesday, March 17 and stay closed until March 30, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

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Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

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While the state response to COVID-19 is one that is rapidly evolving, we do want to update you on the latest developments.

Late Friday afternoon, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced he will amend an executive order to allow expanded use of telemedicine in the state. The Governor also announced he is providing additional resources to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) which will create 10 new lab positions and assist with much-needed help at the call center.

Additionally, the state has requested and will receive more personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical personnel and first responders.

As of Friday afternoon, there is a total of 9 presumed positive cases in Arkansas. The patients with presumed positive test results reside in the central Arkansas region. Schools in Pulaski, Grant, Jefferson, and Saline counties are currently closed. Residents in these counties are being asked to limit large gatherings to 200 people or less.

On Monday, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) issued a public health directive to long-term care facilities across the state to question visitors about their travel over the past 14 days and to screen visitors and staff for signs of illness and fever.

All Arkansans are being asked to reconsider every trip out of state.

Dr. Jennifer Dillaha, Medical Director for Outbreak Response at ADH, advised that if you are showing symptoms (including coughing, fever, and shortness of breath), you should consult your primary care provider instead of county health units or the hospital.

If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.

While ADH is currently limited in the number of tests they can administer, physicians can order tests from commercial labs.

UAMS has set up a coronavirus hotline for people who have questions or feel they may have symptoms. The number is 1-800-632-4502. UAMS HealthNow is also available for free COVID-19 screenings.

To access, go to UAMS HealthNow and click on “Begin Screening.”

This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to patients of all ages across the state of Arkansas and is accessible from a smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer with video capabilities.

Arkansas Children’s Hospital announced that any family with children health questions related to COVID-19 can call 1-800-743-3616.

ADH has activated a call center to answer questions from health care providers and the public about the novel coronavirus. During normal business hours (8:00 am – 4:30 pm), urgent and non-urgent calls, please call 1-800-803-7847. After normal business hours, urgent calls needing immediate response, please call 501-661-2136.

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Horatio Team Advancing to All-State

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Gov. Hutchinson, ADE Announce Teams Advancing to All-State Coding Competition Including Team From Horatio

LITTLE ROCK — Gov. Asa Hutchinson and the Arkansas Department of Education announced today the 17 teams advancing to the Fourth Annual All-State Coding Competition in May. Sixteen teams are winners of All-Region Coding Competitions that took place Feb. 28 around the state. Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, the school that produced the first-place team at the 2019 state competition, will receive an automatic invitation to send a team to the 2020 state competition.

"Congratulations to the 17 teams that qualified for the Annual Governor’s All-State Coding Competition,” Gov. Asa Hutchinson said. “This competition is an excellent showcase for our students' creativity, and I look forward to seeing the bright and talented students on this year’s teams demonstrate impressive levels of innovation and skill in coding." The ADE Office of Computer Science used a rubric to score each team that participated in the regional events.

The following teams have been selected to advance to the state competition. ASMSA in Hot Springs – Karsen Beck, Dunagan Evans, and Trinity Robinson Bentonville High School in Bentonville – Katherine Pearce, Mekhi Scullawl, and Caleb Jones Bentonville West High School in Bentonville – Karina Batra and Ryder Johnson Cabot High School in Cabot – Ethan Peck, Tyler Lacroix, and Addison Zheng Central Junior High School in Springdale – Jackson Daniel, Audrey Shellhammer, and Connor Simmons Clinton High School in Clinton – Titus Johnson, Alex Prosser, and Reynaldo Saavedra Conway High School in Conway – Ethan Moss, Brian Russell, and Kevin Lewis Don Tyson School of Innovation in Springdale – Lucas Kellar, James Cassady, and Benjamin Easterling Fayetteville High School in Fayetteville – Gabriel Giarratana, Katherine Pummill, and Minsoo Song Greenbrier High School in Greenbrier – Geoffrey Shoemaker, Hayden Herman, and Christian Watts Greenwood High School in Greenwood – Shea Brown, Jackson Stewart, and William Hutchinson Haas Hall Academy in Fayetteville – Owen Bell, Julian Sanker, and Daniel Whitmire Har-Ber High School in Springdale – Samuel Lonneman, Jesse Ford, and Melvin Vizueth Horatio High School in Horatio – Jacob Brecheisen, Duncan Connor, and Hannah Norman Jonesboro High School in Jonesboro – Matthew Sherman, Kyle Clayton, and Eric Seglem Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock – Hetvi Shah, Alex Borengasser, and Anne Li Rogers New Technology High School in Rogers – Volodymyr Miata, David Daniel, and Joshua Thomson

Each member of the first-place team at the state competition will receive a $2,000 award that will be deposited into a 529 College Savings Plan. Each member of the second-place team will receive a $1,000 award deposited into a 529 College Savings Plan, with each member of the third-place team receiving a $500 award deposited into a 529 College Savings Plan. In addition, the schools that register/sponsor the first, second, and third-place teams will receive $10,000, $6,000, and $4,000 (respectively) to support their computer science programs.

The prizes and competition expenses are paid for with a Verizon grant to ARCodeKids. ADE extends congratulations to the advancing team members, sponsors, and schools. In addition, all 16 hosting locations are to be commended for the work of their staff in making the regional events successful and fun for students.

Teams advancing to the state competition will receive an official invitation with more details by April 17, 2020. Follow us on Twitter @ArkansasEd. Like us on Facebook at Arkansas Department of Education. Follow us on Instagram at arkansas_ed.

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First Impressions Hospitality Training Postponed

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FIRST IMPRESSIONS HOSPITALITY TRAINING HAS BEEN POSTPONED due to concerns and recommendations regarding COVID19. The workshop will be rescheduled with the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism and announced as soon as a possible date is available. The De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce appreciates all who registered online and through email, and we will keep you updated on this and other training opportunities as dates become available. Thank you for the willingness to invest your time into making our community a thriving place to work, stay and play!

Managers and front-line workers in the hospitality industry - restaurants, retail shopping and specialty shops, convenience stores, motels, cabin rentals and event venues, attractions, etc. - are encouraged to attend! This training focuses on giving you skills proven to boost your business’s profit. Training is provided by a certified instructor from the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, and is all about your business creating the best First Impression. ** Participating businesses will be eligible for the new HOSPITALITY AWARD and recognition at the 2021 Annual Community and Business Awards Banquet! ** De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce

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From the Nashville News Leader

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ATTENTION CADC EHS/HS/ABC PARENTS and/or LEGAL GUARDIANS:

There will be no school effective until March 30, 2020. Children will return to school on March 30, 2020. AMI packet information is being sent home for our children and families today. Here is a little more information about this virus: Coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging global disease. There is more to learn about its transmission, severity, and other features, as well as what may happen in the United States.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides up-to-date information about prevention, symptoms, testing, and the current situation. We are sorry for any inconveniences caused by this decision, but it is in the best interest of our students, families, staff, and communities. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Barbie Baxter, CADC EHS/HS/ABC Program Manager-Director at (501) 332-5426.

Thank you,

Barbie Baxter

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Save AR Students Week Postponed

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The DHS Division of Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services/Drug Director’s Office announced this morning that the Save AR Students kickoff and the week in its’ entirety has been postponed until further notice due to the threat posed with COVID-19. A decision was made to also postpone the “Preventing and Overcoming Drug Abuse” lunch-and-learn that was being offered in connection with the Save AR Students week.

Once the new Save AR Students events dates are known, plans are to reschedule the lunch and learn for the same week (if possible).

Tammy Coleman

Director, Public Services & Workforce Development 870-584-1149 / tcoleman@cccua.edu / www.cccua.edu UA Cossatot / 183 College Drive/ De Queen, AR 71832

Cossatot Community College

March 15, 2020 In the UA Cossatot update that was sent on March 12th, we indicated that the Coronovirus situation was extremely fluid and could change at a moment's notice. - Read More March 12, 2020 UA Cossatot is working closely with the University of Arkansas System Office, UAMS, and other entities to ensure our pandemic plan regarding COVID-19 protects our students, employees, and other stakeholders.

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Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Arkansas

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Governor Hutchinson Orders US and Arkansas Flags to Fly at Half-Staff Flags will be lowered March 11, 2020 to sunset on the day of interment Governor Asa Hutchinson ordered the Arkansas and U.S. flags lowered to half-staff on Wednesday in memory of Hot Springs Police Officer Brent William Scrimshire who was shot and killed in the line of duty on Tuesday.

Officer Scrimshire was selfless and brave in serving Hot Springs, Governor Hutchinson said Wednesday. He put the safety of others ahead of his personal safety. Tuesday evening, Officer Scrimshire gave his life in service of others. I was saddened to learn of his death. I offer my condolences to his family and his fellow officers in the Hot Springs Police Department.

I have ordered the Arkansas and U.S. flags to fly at half-staff in memory of the service of Officer Brent William Scrimshire and as an expression of our shared sorrow for his death. Officer Scrimshire was named a Regional Officer of the Year by Attorney General Leslie Rutledge and as Hot Springs Officer of the Quarter in September.

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Cotton Statement on Death of Hot Springs Officer

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Hot Springs Police officer 1st Class Brent Scrimshire was shot and killed in the line of duty tonight around 6:30 pm after a traffic stop at the 100 block of Kenwood Street. He leaves behind a wife and two children. Our thoughts and prayers for his …

Hot Springs Police officer 1st Class Brent Scrimshire was shot and killed in the line of duty tonight around 6:30 pm after a traffic stop at the 100 block of Kenwood Street. He leaves behind a wife and two children. Our thoughts and prayers for his family and fellow officers. (Hot Springs Broadcast Network)

Anyone who wants to help the family of Officer Scrimshire, can donate at any Diamond Bank or Arvest Bank in the state. (Arkansas Families of Fallen Officers) account.

Cotton Statement on Death of Hot Springs Officer
Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the statement below following news reports that Officer Brent Scrimshire of Hot Springs was killed in the line of duty.

“The city of Hot Springs and the state of Arkansas mourns the tragic loss of Officer Scrimshire. Brent Scrimshire gave his life for the safety of his fellow man—the ultimate sacrifice deserving of our deepest respect. May God welcome Brent home and bring comfort to his family.”

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Census 2020 is Underway

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The #2020Census has officially started. You will start receiving mailers from The US Census Bureau. The online website has gone LIVE for self-reporting at https://my2020census.gov/ . You do not have to have the unique ID to begin.

#Census2020 is important for every American community because #WeCount. It will determine:
📚School funding
🚗Roads, public transportation, & infrastructure
👨👩👧👦Community Resources
Political representation for the next 🔟 years!

REMEMBER: The #2020Census will NOT ask about your:

❌ immigration or citizenship status

❌ income

❌ Social Security Number

Community resources available at arcounts.org. Follow us on FB
https://www.facebook.com/ARcensus2020/
Twitter @ar_census

Arkansas is using #GetOutTheCountAR


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Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

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With spring just around the corner, it's important to remember that state and federal income tax forms are due soon. Both state and federal income tax forms must be postmarked no later than April 15, 2020, to avoid penalties and late fees.

The legislature prioritized and passed several changes to its tax laws during the 92nd General Assembly, which means that your income tax rate may have changed from last year.

The passage of ACT 182 during the 2019 legislative session, for example, reduces the top income tax rate in our state from 6.9% to 6.6%. The income tax rate will lower again in 2021 to 5.9%. This rate reduction took effect on January 1, 2020, for individuals and will be phased in for corporations by 2021. This is in addition to previous tax cuts passed in recent years impacting every income group.

Because of these reduced tax rates, the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration announced to employers that the income tax withholding tables will change. As a result, you may see an increase in the amount of your paycheck starting this month.

This increase will be offset in the future by lower tax refunds. As tax refunds issued now relate to tax year 2019 they are not affected by the withholding changes. The upcoming withholding changes will not impact annual refunds until calendar year 2021.

Many Arkansans can utilize the IRS’s Free File program. This web-based program is a free federal tax preparation and electronic filing program for the approximately 70% of taxpayers who earn less than $60,000 in annual adjusted gross income. Eligible consumers can go to IRS.gov and choose from multiple private companies that will file federal returns at no charge.

If you cannot afford to pay for tax preparation assistance, you may also be eligible to receive free help through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). Consumers can call (800) 829-1040 for information about VITA volunteer locations near them. Additionally, seniors can contact AARP at (888) 227-7669 to find the nearest TCE Tax-Aide site.

Internal Revenue Service | An official website of the United States government

An official website of the United States Government