Arkansas News

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"Arkansas, We are in this Together” Video Release

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LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture (Department), on behalf of Arkansas agriculture and stakeholders, has created a video message of reassurance to Arkansans during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department encourages Arkansans to support local, support each other, and support Arkansas agriculture.

“Arkansas agriculture continues to provide the food, fiber, and shelter that we all depend on despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Wes Ward, Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture. “We appreciate the efforts and resiliency of our state’s agriculture industry as we all work together to get through this difficult time.”

The video can be found on the Department YouTube page (youtube.com/watch?v=8RPaLnk99ts) and COVID-19 Resource page (agriculture.arkansas.gov/covid-19) of our website: arkansas.agriculture.gov.

The Department has also produced numerous shareable and printable COVID-19 resources. We invite and encourage use of all resources which can be found on our COVID-19 Resource page, including:

Print andShareable Resources

· COVID-19 Farm Safety video:

· ArkansasCOVID-19 Food Access Map

Department COVID-19 resources can also be found on our social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The Department is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation.

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Consumer Spending amid COVID-19 Pandemic takes a Steep Drop

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By Mary Hightower
U of A System Division of Agriculture

Fast Facts
Consumer spending drops 7.3 percent between Feb and March
Biggest drop since 1959 start of Personal Consumption Expenditures report
Find full analysis at https://bit.ly/AR-Ag-Eco-Impacts2020

(350 words)
(Newsrooms, with graphs at https://flic.kr/p/2iWrMqr)

LITTLE ROCK — In the 61 years since the Personal Consumption Expenditures report has been issued by the Bureau of Economic Analysis, there has never been a drop as precipitous as the 7.3 percent decline between February and March of this year
“That is a shocking month-to-month decline in PCE,” said John Anderson, head of the agricultural economics and agribusiness department of University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural Food and Life Sciences.
“As a point of reference, in the 2008-2009 financial crisis, the largest monthly drop in PCE was just under 1 percent in September 2009,” he said. “In fact, the 7.3 percent decline in PCE is the largest monthly decline since the beginning of this data series in 1959.”
The PCE is part of the BEA’s monthly update on personal income and outlays. (See: https://www.bea.gov/…/personal-income-and-outlays-march-2020)

Buying like it’s 1999
However, not every category was down.

“Spending on food was sharply higher in March: up over 19 percent compared to the prior month,” he said. This spending only includes food bought for home consumption such as grocery and convenience store purchases of food.

“The only surge in PCE on food even remotely comparable to the most recent month was in December 1999, which – as readers of a certain age will recall – coincided with a wave of food stockpiling associated with the Y2K scare,” Anderson said. “In that month, PCE on food increased by 4.8 percent, month-to-month.”

He noted significant differences between the current COVID-19 pandemic and Y2K.

“First, the Y2K event was anticipated many months in advance. Consumers had ample opportunity to gradually build up supplies of non-perishable food items over a longer period of time than was possible in the current round of panic buying,” he said.

“Second, and more significantly, food service did not shut down in December 1999,” Anderson said. “In the COVID-19 shutdown, consumers were essentially forced to shift almost the entirety of their food purchases to grocery retail.”
To read more of Anderson’s take on COVID and consumer spending, see this and other economic impact reports at https://bit.ly/AR-Ag-Eco-Impacts2020

To learn more about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.edu. Follow us on Twitter at @UAEX_edu

University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service

Protect you and your family during the COVID-19 outbreak by practicing proper hand washing techniques. Wet your hands with clean running water (warm or cold) and apply soap. Rub your hands together to make a lather and scrub them well; be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

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Arkansas Department of Health Directives & Orders

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Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

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The Arkansas Department of Health lifted several restrictions and issued new directives for restaurants, gyms, and hair salons this week. While Arkansas takes steps to re-open the economy, we recognize the challenges still ahead. This week, we want to update you on the programs available to help Arkansas employees and businesses during this difficult time.

On the federal level, Congress has approved additional funds into the Payroll Protection Plan. For businesses who are were not able to receive funding in the first round of funding, please visit:  www.sba.gov.

The hotline hours to file for unemployment have been expanded to 7 days a week from 6am-4pm. Callers in the queue by 4pm will be assisted. You can also file on line at www.arunemployment.com. The online system closes at 6pm to process claims filed each day.
At that site is also a link for self-employed, independent contractors, and others covered under the CARES Act. There you can submit your name and email address to be notified when a system is built to process these claims which is expected in a matter of days. Even if you start another job, you will still be able to file weekly claims backdated to the date you became unable to work because of a COVID-19 related reason. If requesting this assistance, the Department of Commerce recommends filing your 2019 tax return so you can verify your income. Payment can still be made by the deadline, but it’s helpful to go ahead and file.

While some restrictions are being lifted, we must continue to do our part to limit the spread of the virus. Arkansans should continue to practice social distancing and wear a mask in public places. We will continue to update you on our progress as a state.

Small Business Administration

We support America's small businesses. The SBA connects entrepreneurs with lenders and funding to help them plan, start and grow their business.

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Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Getting Back to Business

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LITTLE ROCK – This has been a good week in Arkansas. We have made progress in containing COVID-19, so I was able to announce some good news about our path back to normal.

I announced we would allow the limited re-opening of restaurants, state campgrounds, fitness centers and gyms, and hair salons and body art parlors all within the next week and a half.

The campgrounds opened today for Arkansas residents. On May 15th, we will open visitor information centers, museums and exhibits, gift shops, golf pro shops, and marinas, and allow the rental of equipment - all at our state parks. We also will allow rental of cabins, lodges, and RVs Friday through Monday.

Gym owners may open on Monday. Hair stylists and body artists can open on Wednesday. Restaurants can resume limited dine-in service on May 11th.

These decisions are all made in close consultation with Secretary of Health Dr. Nate Smith and through close study of all our data. I want to stress that as we return to business, we will continue the practices we’ve adopted to stop the virus thus far. Wash your hands frequently, wear masks and gloves when it’s appropriate, stay six feet apart, and if you are not healthy, stay home as much as possible.

I also announced that we are opening the Arkansas Ready for Business initiative to aid the owners of small businesses recovering from the financial losses during the pandemic. This still needs approval by the Legislative Council of the General Assembly.

COVID-19 has touched nearly every aspect of our lives. Everyone has been adversely affected and made sacrifices at some level. But Arkansans met the challenge responsibly and with compassion. That is why we are now able to begin jump-starting the economy, which was booming before the coronavirus arrived. I am confident the setback is temporary, and that the economy will grow strong again.

We are not through this, but I am encouraged by the trends. Arkansans have been patient and responded well to the inconveniences this pandemic has brought to our state. We want to move quickly, but never too quickly. I am looking forward to the day when I can go to a gym for a game of full-court basketball.

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Barber, Cosmetology, Massage Therapy, Body Art, And Medical Spa Services May Resume Operations On May 6, Governor Hutchinson Announces 

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LITTLE ROCK – Barber shops, body art establishments, body art schools, cosmetology establishments, massage therapy clinics and spas, and medical spas may resume operations on May 6, 2020, under Phase 1 guidelines established to protect the health and safety of employees and patrons, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced at his daily press briefing today. 

Required precautions under Phase 1 guidelines for barber shops, body art establishments, body art schools, cosmetology establishments, massage therapy clinics and spas, and medical spas include pre-screening employees and clients, prohibiting walk-in appointments, use of gloves at all times, use of face masks as services permit, and appropriate social distancing.

“We have all felt the absence of these services over the past number of weeks, and professionals are eager to resume their work,” Governor Hutchinson said. “I have great confidence that our stylists, cosmetologists, and other professionals will work very hard to protect themselves and their clients and still provide the highest quality of service.”

Phase 1 guidelines for these entities include:

  • Providers may resume services; however those services shall be scheduled by appointment with adequate time in between appointments to properly clean and disinfect. Walk-in appointments are prohibited during Phase 1.

  • People older than 65 or those with chronic medical conditions should consider remaining home during Phase 1.

  • Providers must pre-screen clients for potential COVID-related symptoms before they arrive for an appointment using the following questions:

    • -Have you had a fever of 100.4 F or greater in the past two days

    • -Do you have a cough, difficulty breathing, a sore throat, or loss of taste or smell?

    • -Have you had contact with a person known to be infected with COVID-19 within the past 14 days?
      Providers should postpone for 14 days the appointment of any who answer “yes” to any of the questions.

  • Employees/licensees shall be pre-screened with both the standardized questionnaire and a daily temperature check.  Any employee with a temperature of 100.4 F or greater will not be allowed to work.

  • Services shall not be performed on clients who show any sign of illness such as fever, cough, or runny nose.  Signage shall be posted informing clients about this policy.

  • All persons in the salon/shop/clinic are required to maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet while services are not being rendered.  For most entities, occupancy will be limited to no more than 10 persons, including all support staff. 

  • In smaller facilities, the 6 feet physical distancing condition may require that fewer than 10 persons are present at any given time.

  • Larger facilities (able to accommodate more than 10 persons while maintaining appropriate physical distancing) shall operate no more than 30% of their stations during Phase 1.

  • Barbers, stylists, and employees shall wear a face covering at all times.  A cloth face covering is acceptable for this purpose.

  • Clients shall wear masks as services permit.  A cloth face covering is acceptable for this purpose. Signage shall be posted informing clients about this policy.

  • Chairs in waiting areas shall be positioned to ensure six feet of social distancing.  When possible, clients should wait outside of the shop/salon/clinic until called by their stylist/therapist.

  • All existing infection control rules remain in effect and will be enforced.  Non-porous surfaces shall be cleaned and disinfected prior to use.  Porous items shall be discarded after a single use.

  • Gloves shall be worn for all services as required by Rule.  Licensees are encouraged to wear gloves for all other services when able.

  • Hand washing shall be performed before and after each service.

  • The Department of Health COVID Infection Control Education module shall be viewed prior to reopening.

  • Practitioners shall maintain a record of the name, date, and contact information, for each client serviced for a period of one month. This may be accomplished using a sign-in sheet.

  • Barbering, cosmetology, body art schools, and massage schools shall remain closed for in-person instruction during Phase 1. However, practical examinations are permissible if they are performed on inanimate objects such as mannequins and artificial skin. Appropriate physical distancing shall be maintained during testing. 

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Gyms, Fitness Centers May Resume Operations on May 4, Governor Hutchinson Announces

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LITTLE ROCK – Gyms and fitness centers may resume operations on May 4, 2020, under certain guidelines established to protect the health and safety of employees and patrons, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced at his daily press briefing today. Under these guidelines, gyms and fitness centers must implement precautions such as use of face masks except when exercising, daily temperature checks for employees and patrons, and social distancing of at least 12 feet while exercising.

“I am pleased that Arkansans will be able to resume physical activity at their local gyms,” Governor Hutchinson said. “There are still limitations on the use of these facilities, but if carefully observed, I am confident we will be able to return to our normal exercise routines soon. I look forward to resuming my weekly game of pick-up basketball once all restrictions lift, but until then, it’s important that managers, employees, and patrons carefully follow the guidelines as they resume operations.”

Gyms and fitness centers must meet the following criteria to resume operations on May 4:

  • Screening must be completed on entry for all staff and participants. Those who have any of the following characteristics should not be allowed to enter: 

    • -Have returned from travel to New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, New Orleans or overseas within the last 14 days;

    • -Have had a fever of 100.4°F or greater in the past two days;

    • -Have a cough, difficulty breathing, sore throat, or loss of taste or smell;

    • -Had contact with a person known to be infected with COVID-19 within the previous 14 days;

    • -Have compromised immune systems and/or have chronic diseases.

  • Staff should wear a face covering or mask at all times. Patrons should wear a face covering except when actively exercising.

  • Prohibit the use of pools, spas, showers, saunas, etc. at this time. Locker rooms are to be used only for storage of personal items. Maintain physical distancing while in locker rooms.

  • Hand sanitizer should be available throughout the facility.

  • Staff should ensure that all exercise machines or equipment are sanitized after each use (via wipe-down with disposable disinfectant wipes, Lysol or the equivalent).

  • Maintain proper spacing from others by working out with 12 feet between each person. This may require closing or moving some equipment.

  • Avoid personal contact at all times, including hand shaking.

  • Individual training sessions, indoor group fitness classes, and workouts that require a partner must maintain 12 foot spacing between each person at this time.

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Limited Dine-in Restaurant Service May Resume May 11, Governor Announces

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LITTLE ROCK – Restaurants in Arkansas may resume limited dine-in service on May 11 under Phase 1 guidelines that require daily health screening of staff, use of face masks and gloves, and strict social distancing, Governor Hutchinson announced at his daily press briefing today.

“Based on current data that shows we have slowed the spread of COVID-19, we have decided it is safe to resume dine-in restaurant service with some common-sense limits,” Governor Hutchinson said. “This is a significant but cautious step on the path back to normalcy. We will monitor the success of this step, and move to Phase 2 as quickly as we safely can.”

The restrictions on dine-in service under this directive include:

Phase 1

  • Restaurants must limit number of customers to one-third of total capacity.

  • Tables must be ten feet apart so that diners will be seated six feet away from diners at other tables.

  • Each employee who directly interacts with patrons must wear a face mask that completely covers nose and mouth. Kitchen staff and others are encouraged to wear a mask.

  • Each employee must wear gloves. Gloves should be changed between each customer, customer group, or task.

  • Management must conduct a daily health screening of all employees before they enter the restaurant. An employee with a cough, sore throat, fever, or shortness of breath must not enter the restaurant.

  • Patrons must wear a face covering until the food or drink is served.

  • Salad bars, buffets, and other self-serve features will remain closed.

  • Groups must be 10 or fewer customers.

  • Tables, chairs, salt/pepper shakers, condiment containers, and napkin holders will be cleaned and disinfected after each customer.

  • Bars and entertainment operations (such as live music, in-seat gaming devices, or arcades) are prohibited.

  • Normal service of alcohol within the restaurant seating area is allowed.

  • Restrooms should be disinfected frequently.

  • Service may be declined to patrons not wearing masks. 

These Phase 1 restrictions will remain in place until Secretary of Health Dr. Nate Smith determines that they may be relaxed or discontinued.

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New Grant for Businesses: "Arkansas Ready for Business"

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Governor Hutchinson announced the Arkansas Ready for Business grant which will offer $15 million to help businesses re-start during the first phase. A company will be eligible for $100,000 in assistance through the grant program.

Eligible expenses include: personal protective equipment, hand sanitizer stations, cleaning supplies and services, and other one-time expenses to enable a business to re-open or resume normal operations.

Application for the grant can be found on ArkansasEDC.com.

Arkansas Economic Development Commission

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission works to create new economic opportunities for Arkansas, building a more prosperous future for everyone.

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Enterprise Rent-A-Car Makes Donation to UA Cossatot

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Enterprise Rent-A-Car Company donated $2,500 to UA Cossatot Foundation to support Arkansas students and education.
UA Cossatot Board Member, Jay Dooley, recommended that UA Cossatot Foundation be considered for the Enterprise community grant. After the recommendation, Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Little Rock chose to make a donation to UA Cossatot Foundation and support its mission.
Cori Cunningham of Rent-A-Car said, “Enterprise Rent-A-Car is a company that is family owned. Our founder, Jack Taylor was passionate about strengthening communities, employees, and customers everywhere. Enterprise Rent-A-Car gives donations to many good causes and we are excited to support UA Cossatot and its students!”
UA Cossatot Board Member, Jay Dooley said, “My family and I love UA Cossatot and think the opportunities the college provides for its students is great! We appreciate this donation from Enterprise and its impact on local college students. I am proud to be a part of UA Cossatot as it proves to be a powerful force in our community.”
To learn more about the UA Cossatot Foundation or ways to support the college’s students, please contact UA Cossatot Foundation Director, Dustin Roberts at 870-584-1172 or droberts@cccua.edu.

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State Parks Lifting Some Restrictions  For Arkansas Residents, Governor Announces

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LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas State Parks will begin a limited reopening of some facilities for Arkansas residents starting May 1, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced today.

“Closing our parks, campgrounds, and visitor centers has been one of the toughest restrictions during this pandemic, but it was necessary,” Governor Hutchinson said. “I am elated that we can give Arkansans the opportunity to get out of their homes to enjoy our natural resources again.”

Rental of camp sites, cabins, lodges, and RVs will be limited to Arkansas residents.

Beginning May 1, Arkansas residents with self-contained RVs will be allowed to stay overnight in campgrounds. Bath houses will remain closed. Check in and check out will be automated.

On May 15, State Parks will open visitor information centers, museums and exhibits, gift shops, golf pro shops, marinas, and equipment rental. Staff will limit the number of visitors allowed into the visitor centers and shops, and will enforce social distancing.

On May 15, State Parks also will reopen to Arkansas residents cabins, lodges, and RV rental. Rentals will be limited to Friday through Monday to allow for deep cleaning between visitors.

“Arkansans love their parks, and we want to invite Arkansans back,” said Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Stacy Hurst. “This proposal was reviewed and approved by Secretary of Health Nate Smith before going to the Governor for final approval.  These precautions will allow Arkansans to enjoy camping while maintaining guidelines for social distancing.”

Some high-use trails at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Devil’s Den State Park, and Petit Jean State Park will remain closed.