Advisory for Travelers from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, New Orleans and All International Locations
The Arkansas Department of Health has recommended Self Home Quarantine for 14 days for all travelers from the states of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, as well as those returning from New Orleans and all international locations. This is due to high rates of COVID-19 in those places as well as in a growing number of international locations. In the interest of the public health, all travelers who return from one of these locations are advised to quarantine at home for 14 days, starting from the date they left that location. If you develop fever, cough, or other symptom of COVID-19, you should contact your doctor for advice on where to be evaluated.
You can find details of home quarantine here: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programsservices/topics/covid-19-guidance-for-self-home-quarantine
Arkansas Department of Health
We want to keep you informed regarding the novel coronavirus and inform you about how to self home quarantine. If you have had close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19 or traveled from New York state or any international location within the last 14 days, your medical provider will recommend that you home quarantine.
Briefly, home quarantine includes these steps:
* Remain at home and avoid all public activities. This means do not go to work, church, school, stores (including grocery stores), nor any public events or places.
* Do not have visitors in your home.
* If you live in a home with other people, stay in a separate room. If that is not possible, wear a face mask when you are in the same room and stay at least 6 feet away from them.
* Wash your hands and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer often. Do not share personal items such as dishes, cups, forks, spoons, towels, etc.
* Do not leave your home except to get medical care. If you need to see a doctor for reasons other than a medical emergency, please call your medical provider to discuss the care you need.
* In the event of a medical emergency, call 911. Tell them that you are in self home quarantine for novel coronavirus exposure. Keep a face mask on until a health care provider asks you to remove it.
* Do not use any public transportation (buses, taxis, ride share services, or airplane).
* Check yourself for fever twice a day. This means taking your temperature in the morning and before bed at night. Write it down in a log or piece of paper.
For other COVID-19 questions, visit https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programsservices/topics/novel-coronavirus .
Arkansas Department of Health
Please take steps to protect yourself. The ADH recommends: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Practice social distancing. Avoid close contact with others, especially those who are sick, by keeping at least 6 feet between you and others.
Governor Announces Arkansas Community FoundationCOVID-19 Relief Fund Assists in Pandemic Relief
Little Rock, Ark. (April 5, 2020) – Arkansas Community Foundation announces a partnership with Gov. Asa Hutchinson asking Arkansans to make donations to the COVID-19 Relief Fund to assist in pandemic relief. All donations made to this fund will be granted to Arkansas nonprofits working to serve the state’s most vulnerable populations and those disproportionately affected by the coronavirus and its economic fallout.
Donations can be made online at www.arcf.org/covid19 or by mailing a check to Arkansas Community Foundation, 5 Allied Drive, Suite 51110, Little Rock, AR 72202.
This fund was created March 18, 2020, and the Governor is helping the Community Foundation promote the fund so that Arkansans are aware of how they can help each other.
“Hardships have been placed on many Arkansans because of this public health emergency. Tens of thousands of Arkansans have recently filed unemployment claims, and there are great needs in many Arkansas communities. Arkansans have been incredibly responsive to the needs of their neighbors by volunteering assistance in this time of crisis. I am pleased that the State is partnering with Arkansas Community Foundation to support the COVID-19 relief fund, a designated fund for Arkansans to donate and help other Arkansans,” said Gov. Hutchinson at a press conference today.
“This is why we exist—to help Arkansas communities” said Heather Larkin, President and CEO of Arkansas Community Foundation. “This fund is an efficient way to bring together donors with Arkansas nonprofits. We know that even during difficult times, Arkansans are still generous. We are honored that the Governor considers the Community Foundation the most trusted organization to help provide guidance for those able to help.”
Several Arkansas entities have already stepped up to begin helping. Over $2 million dollars have been pledged or donated by the following:
Arkansas Community Foundation
Entergy Charitable Foundation
Riggs CAT
Tyson Family Foundation
Walmart Foundation
Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation
Windgate Charitable Foundation
Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation
The Community Foundation hopes that other foundations, businesses and individuals across the state will rise to the occasion and donate whatever they can during these unprecedented times. These donations will provide Arkansas nonprofits with the ability to continue their valuable work to meet community needs.
Since March 20, 2020, the Community Foundation has issued 175 grants to nonprofits helping with pandemic relief and is currently reviewing additional applications on a rolling basis. The grant portal is still open for nonprofits to apply. The fund will support community needs in human services, food, health, housing and education. Grants will be made to nonprofit agencies that meet both immediate and long-term needs related to the impact of COVID-19 in Arkansas.
With our network of 28 affiliates offices around the state and in collaboration with other nonprofits, Foundation leadership will be closely monitoring how the COVID-19 pandemic impacts our communities and may deploy additional resources to best meet the evolving needs. Nonprofits can find more information by visiting www.arcf.org/covid19.
Annually, the Foundation typically issues about 2,500 grants and about $20 million dollars to Arkansas nonprofits.
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Congressional Delegation Supports Governor’s Request for Increased Arkansas National Guard Authority and Funding
Delegation Members Agree COVID-19 Pandemic Warrants Further Guard Assistance and Support
WASHINGTON— U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton—along with Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westerman— urged President Trump to approve Governor Asa Hutchinson’s request for additional funding and resources for the Arkansas National Guard in order to support the ongoing response to COVID-19 in the Natural State.
“While the Arkansas National Guard has been able to answer all Requests for Assistance to date, further funding will be necessary to support continued widespread taskings that are expected as patient numbers begin to exceed hospital space,” members wrote in the letter.
Below is the full text of the letter:
Dear Mr. President:
On behalf of the State of Arkansas, we are writing to support Governor Asa Hutchinson’s request for authority and additional funding under 502(f)(2)(A) of Title 32, U.S.C., for Arkansas National Guard resources to support the response to COVID-19 in Arkansas.
As Governor Hutchinson noted at the time of his request, the state of Arkansas had 738 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and is experiencing community spread in multiple areas, including Little Rock. Unfortunately, we expect those numbers to increase as the disease continues to spread, and the Arkansas National Guard is a critical component of the fight.
The Governor is requesting the following mission assignments for the Arkansas National Guard:
· Emergency Medical Care: Arkansas National Guard qualified military medics to support COVID-19, drive-thru testing.
· Emergency Medical Care: Arkansas National Guard medical personnel to provide technical assistance to the Arkansas Department of Health phone center to advise Arkansans on COVID-19;
· Emergency Medical Care: Arkansas National Guard personnel to assist the Arkansas Department of Health with an immediate re-write of quarantine, isolation, and expanded medical facility build out.
· Emergency Medical Care/Management Control: Arkansas National Guard personnel with Engineering Degrees to assist the United States Army Corps of Engineers in conducting assessments for sites selected as quarantine, isolation, and expanded medical facility build out.
· Management, Control: Arkansas National Guard personnel to assist the Arkansas Department of Health’s Emergency Operations Center to provide logistical support of tracking and delivering needed Personal Protective Equipment.
· Management Control: Arkansas National Guard personnel working in the Arkansas National Guard Joint Operations Center to track Arkansas National Guard missions, personnel, equipment, and providing predictive analysis to the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management and Arkansas Department of Health.
As noted by Governor Hutchinson, Arkansas is a balanced budget state and faces a $353 million budget shortfall between now and June 30, as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. While the Arkansas National Guard has been able to answer all Requests for Assistance to date, further funding will be necessary to support continued widespread taskings that are expected as patient numbers begin to exceed hospital space.
Without this additional assistance and authority, it will be difficult for Arkansas to bare all of the responsibilities it will be facing in the coming months and focus the proper amount of time, energy and financial support necessary to get life back to normal.
The entire Arkansas delegation is eager to assist in any way possible to ensure expedited evaluation of this request. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices with any questions. We thank you for the support you have already offered, and respectfully ask for your continued attention and assistance in providing the resources necessary to ensure the safety of Arkansans.
LIVE: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update to Media Sunday (04.05.20)
Governor Hutchinson Issues Executive Order Requiring New Protocols for Commercial Lodgings, Short-Term Rentals
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has issued an executive order mandating new safety measures for commercial lodgings, short-term rentals, and other institutions and operations in order to protect public health during the COVID-19 crisis, he announced at a news conference today.
“Every day, we review guidance from state and federal health experts and evaluate additional steps we can take to protect Arkansans from the spread of COVID-19,” Governor Hutchinson said. “I am grateful that Arkansans have taken extraordinary efforts to practice social distancing and flatten the curve. It is my hope that these new measures will provide further protection for Arkansans as we prepare for the peak number of COVID-19 cases in our state.”
The Governor has directed that commercial lodgings and short-term rentals, including, hotels, motels, and vacation rentals, only permit occupancy for the following authorized guests:
Healthcare professionals;
First responders;
Law enforcement;
State or federal employees on official business;
National Guard members on active duty;
Airline crew members;
Patients of hospitals and their families;
Journalists;
Persons unable to return to their home due to COVID-19 travel restrictions;
Arkansas citizens unable to return to their home due to exigent circumstances, such as fire, flood, tornado, or other disaster;
Persons in need of shelter due to domestic violence or homelessness;
Employees of hotels, motels, or other service providers/contractors of a hotel or motel;
and persons away from their home due to work or work-related travel.
Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Flattening the Curve
LITTLE ROCK – Today I want to discuss the steps we have taken together to fight the coronavirus called COVID-19.
Since March 11, the day I signed the Executive Order that declared a public health emergency, our public health team has guided our response and targeted our actions to stop this virus.
I’d like to review a few of the steps we have taken. We have closed schools, bars and the state’s three casinos. We have closed restaurants except for take-out meals. We have shut down barbershops, and hair and nail salons; massage-therapy clinics and tattoo parlors. We have closed fitness centers, movie theaters, bowling alleys, and indoor amusement centers. We have shuttered state park lodges and prohibited camping in the park. I directed state employees to work remotely when possible, and we suggested companies allow employees to work from home. All of these actions mean people have lost their jobs, and this is so difficult to do, and it goes against everything we are trying to accomplish. But these steps are necessary in this public health emergency.
Our measures are more stringent than those in many other states. That is the reason the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Arkansas is 400 fewer than our projections. If necessary, we can go farther, but the typical stay-at-home order exempts essential activities and businesses. In many states, essential activities include manufacturing, hardware stores, and legal, accounting, and insurance services. California’s executive order exempts grocery stores, farmer’s markets, convenience stores, banks, and laundromats. Every morning in California, which has one of the strictest orders in place, millions of people leave home for work.
If I initiated a stay-at-home order similar to California’s, more than 700,000 Arkansans would still get up and go to work the next morning. Thousands of others would visit hardware stores, Kroger, Walgreens, and Walmart. But there is another impact that many don’t consider. An order that shut down the state could put a couple hundred thousand people out of work.
At this time, we have not issued a stay-at-home order primarily because most people are making responsible choices. Arkansans are putting the good of the state ahead of personal convenience or comfort, and in many cases, people are sacrificing their financial security. Concert halls, sports arenas, and even churches have closed voluntarily. In theory, we could have ordered all of those places to close. But that wasn’t necessary.
Our targeted actions are working. In Arkansas, even without the stay-at-home order, the rate of growth in the number of cases has flattened. That’s not true in some states that began sheltering-in-place early on.
We’re basing our decisions on scientific data. We can’t be pressured into taking measures simply because all the other states are doing it. When we need to do more, we will. And let me assure you, we will continue to listen our public health experts.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
The 2020 Fiscal Session is scheduled to begin April 8 at noon.
The COVID-19 crisis will have an impact on the proposed budget as well as our meeting schedules.
The Department of Finance and Administration released a revised revenue forecast on April 2. The revision was necessary because of an economic recession predicted as a result from business slowdown and negative labor markets.
The forecast now reflects $5.6 billion in net available revenue for FY 2021. This indicates a decrease of $205.9 million from the prior forecast released in January.
The schedule for meetings will be posted on our website. For precautionary measures due to COVID-19, the General Assembly is not expected to meet as long as in previous Fiscal Sessions.
By law, Fiscal Sessions cannot extend longer than 30 days without a ¾ vote from both chambers. The longest it can be extended is an additional 15 days.
During Fiscal Sessions, the legislature can only address the budget and appropriation bills. In order for non-appropriation legislation to be introduced, a resolution substantially describing the bill must first be approved by a 2/3 vote in both chambers.
The House will convene at the Jack T. Stephens Center at the University of Arkansas Little Rock. We convened at this venue for the recent special session as it provides enough space for the recommended social distancing guidelines.
Arkansas PBS will stream the House meetings. You can find the links for those live-streams as well as the Senate meetings and Joint Budget Committee meetings on our website: www.arkansashouse.org
Home - Arkansas House of Representatives
The Arkansas House of Representatives has ten standing committees, where members meet to review and discuss bills, resolutions and interim studies before Members decide whether to send the measures to the full body for consideration. View All Committees
As we prepare to address the state budget in this unprecedented time, we will continue to update and help constituents with needed assistance through this crisis.
Home - Arkansas House of Representatives
ARGIRLSLEAD #ARGIRLSLEAD is a movement started by women serving in the Arkansas House. Each of them have a unique story to share about their journey on the road to their current leadership position. Kids In The House Who says civics can't be fun?
Arkansas Banks Stand Ready to Help, Encourage Patience as Paycheck Protection Program Launches
LITTLE ROCK, AR. – April 2, 2020 – The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will offer some relief to small businesses in Arkansas, and Arkansas banks want to help borrowers through this process. Bankers ask for patience from the public as they work through the initial phase of the program. Application volume is already very high and the financial institutions qualified to offer these loans will strive to keep up with demand.
“Sheer volume won’t be the only reason the program will take time,” said Arkansas Bankers Association President and CEO Lorrie Trogden. “Banks are in the process of reviewing guidance released late Thursday evening from federal agencies and regulators as they prepare to counsel their customers on the Paycheck Protection Program.”
Even with the latest guidance, several aspects of the emergency program remain unclear. Many borrowers filled out the sample application posted to the Treasury website earlier this week, but that form changed late last night. In addition, the SBA has not yet issued final procedures for banks to complete back-end processing. Lenders that have not traditionally participated in SBA loans are waiting for the SBA to release a lender application process so that they can participate and assist in getting much needed relief into the hands of small businesses in their communities.
Despite that, Arkansas banks that can are accepting applications. Banks are here to help. Once the appropriate SBA government forms and processes become available, your Arkansas banks stand ready to serve their customers and communities.
“Keep in mind that PPP loans aren’t the only way Arkansas’ banks are helping their customers,” explained Trogden. “They worked one-on-one with their customers to find solutions before PPP became available, and they will continue to do so after the program is done. The good news is that Arkansas’ banks entered this pandemic from a position of strength and are well-equipped to help their communities.”
The ABA also recommends the following five things businesses can do right now:
1: Talk to your lender, if you haven’t already. If you are experiencing or expect to experience cash flow problems, contacting your lender is the critical first step.
2: Plan for the next 3-6 months, if you haven’t already. Many businesses we’ve heard from have sufficient funds or access to capital for the first 2-3 months. We don’t know how long the pandemic will last, however, so look ahead, both in terms of a potential lengthening of the pandemic and also in how you will handle recovery and re-opening of the business if you are currently closed.
3: Be ready to produce required information quickly to help your lender with your application. All loan programs still require some information in order for the lender to underwrite the loan, including the ones created through the CARES Act. Be ready to produce required documentation quickly to help your lender with your application.
4: Don’t panic and draw on lines of credit unnecessarily. There is plenty of liquidity in the system (unlike during the financial crisis in 2008), so don’t panic and draw on lines of credit unnecessarily. Just like we are encouraging consumers to keep excess cash in insured financial institutions, keep the lines of credit intact until you absolutely need to access them. There may be costs associated with accessing those funds, and if you don’t need to incur the added expense, don’t.
5: Have patience. The banking industry wants to help you through these unprecedented times, but not all programs are in place yet, and even when they are, technology can cause hiccups or delays (e.g. systems crashing).
From the Arkansas Tourism Team
VIRTUAL EXPERIENCES
It can be hard staying inside during the warm and bright spring days. Plus, finding a family-friendly activity can be hard to manage. Luckily, attractions across Arkansas have risen to the challenge by offering a variety of virtual adventures for you and your loved ones. Those with an appreciation for the arts can enjoy virtual tours of Crystal Bridges. Or perhaps you’re looking for a downtown vibe? Check out Hot Springs’ virtual reality videos on YouTube and take a digital tour of Bathhouse Row.
These are just a few of the many opportunities that await you in the digital realm. There truly is something for everyone--from the arts to history to museums, there are many virtual destinations for several Arkansas attractions just waiting to be explored.
I am so thankful for the opportunity to represent this wonderful state as the new director of Arkansas Tourism. I look forward to our adventures together!
Virtual Experiences
Stuck inside? Don't let that hold you back from discovery. Check out these Arkansas virtual experiences you can enjoy.
Make the Most of Your Stimulus Benefit
Many Americans are set to receive money from the government in the form of a stimulus benefit. Dr. Laura Hendrix, Accredited Financial Counselor® and Associate Professor, Personal Finance and Consumer Economics with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service recommends planning now to use your stimulus check wisely by paying bills, paying down debt, and saving for emergencies.
Build savings by starting or contributing to an emergency savings fund. It is more important now than ever. Most personal finance experts recommend an emergency fund with enough to cover at least 2 months and up to 6 months of expenses. An emergency savings fund is your best protection in times of economic uncertainty.
Pay bills to stay current on payments and avoid defaulting. Missing payments can lead to foreclosure or repossession. Late and missing payments lower your credit score, making future credit more expensive and more difficult to obtain.
Pay down debt on credit cards. Paying off credit card debt can free more money in your future budget and save money on interest.
The amount of the stimulus benefit will vary depending on your income and family size. Adults with annual income up to $75,000 will receive $1,200, plus another $500 per child. Benefits will be distributed by check or direct deposit. This online calculator will tell you what your COVID-19 stimulus benefit will be: https://www.washingtonpost.com/…/coronavirus-stimulus-chec…/
Also, be aware of scammers who impersonate government officials by phone, email or social media demanding personal and banking information to verify eligibility for the government’s stimulus check.
To keep your stimulus and other financial information safe, only rely on official government websites (.gov) for economic relief information and never give out your personal information over the telephone or by email.
The Cooperative Extension Service is your source for reliable information. We connect trusted research to the adoption of best practices and serve as a promoter of prosperity for Arkansans. For more information, visit our webpage at www.uaex.edu/money. Follow uaexMoney on Facebook for regular updates on financial issues and concerns.
Sevier County Extension agents and our 4-H program assistant are working by telecommuting to follow the social distancing best practices during the COVID-19 crisis. Dana Stringfellow, administrative specialist, will be in the office taking calls. You may call our office at 870-584-3013 to contact agents and we will respond to inquiries.
Also for the latest information on Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) topics follow Sevier County Extension on Facebook. Contact Janet Cantrell, FCS Agent in Sevier County, by email at jcantrell@uaex.edu for more information.
uaexMoney Personal Finance Advice and Tips for Arkansans | Setting budgets for Arkansas families
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LIVE VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update to Media Saturday (04.04.20) 1:30PM
LIVE VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update to Media Friday (04.03.20) 1:30PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson will provide a COVID-19 update on live video at 1:30 Friday afternoon, 04/03. Press play button above.
Latest Arkansas COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health
CARES Act Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
The Application is Now Available for CARES Act Small Business Loans: What You Need to Know | Insights | Venable LLP
On March 31, 2020, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Small Business Administration (SBA) released the application form for businesses to apply for and obtain loans under the Paycheck Protection Program.
Governor Hutchinson Directs State Parks To Implement New Measures for Public Health
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has approved temporary changes to Arkansas State Parks’ operations to protect public health during the COVID-19 crisis, he announced at a news conference today.
The Governor has directed that Arkansas State Parks implement “day use” operations only, effective 8 a.m. on Friday, April 3, a decision he made in consultation with Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Stacy Hurst.
“Arkansas State Parks will remain operational,” Governor Hutchinson said. “Arkansas is known for our outdoor recreation, and we want to allow Arkansans to safely enjoy what our state has to offer. These new safety measures will reduce the risk of overcrowding at our parks and discourage visitors from out-of-state until the threat of COVID-19 has passed.”
“This Friday, we will move to ‘day use’ only across our state parks system, eliminating all overnight stay opportunities,” Secretary Hurst said. “This is consistent with 28 other states, and we believe it will further reduce the number of out-of-state visitors. We are staying on top of the data and best practices and will adjust if further limitations are needed.”
Under the new “day use” directive, Arkansas State Parks will close overnight facilities, such as cabins and campgrounds.
In addition, Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism is temporarily implementing safety measures to prevent visitation surges in state parks. Arkansas State Parks will deploy park rangers to enforce social distancing, disperse gatherings of more than 10 people, and implement parking restrictions to limit overcrowding at popular parks.
Secretary Hurst will closely monitor problematic areas such as trails that are overcrowded or too narrow for proper social distancing and close such areas as needed.
Information on the park closings can be found at https://www.ArkansasStateParks.com/covid-19-update.
COVID-19 Update | Arkansas State Parks
Arkansas State Parks remain open as we monitor COVID-19 and the impact of coronavirus in our state. We are taking the CDC's recommended precautions as we work to provide a safe environment for our visitors. Parks continue to be your gateway to hiking, kayaking and canoeing, golf, mountain biking, fishing and boating and other outdoor experiences.
Latest Arkansas COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health
LIVE VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update to Media (04.02.20) 1:30 p.m.
LIVE VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update to Media (04.01.20) 1:30 p.m.
Governor Asa Hutchinson will provide a COVID-19 update on live video at 1:30 Wednesday afternoon, 04/01. Press play button above.