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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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UA Cossatot’s OTA Students Give Back during the COVID Pandemic

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April is Occupational Therapy Month. To commemorate the month, the OTA students typically have a celebration and complete some type of “give back” activity to the community. This year was challenging due to COVID and distancing limitations, but the OTA students and faculty rose to the task. To celebrate this year, the students created a thank you message to the area Occupational Therapy practitioners which they have shared on social media. Occupational Therapy has been deemed an essential health care service and many practitioners are working on the front lines of the pandemic across the country.
The students also created mask extenders which they donated to the emergency room department at Christus St. Michael Hospital in Texarkana. Due to the COVID-19 coronavirus, all healthcare workers are now wearing masks and other protective gear to prevent the spread of the virus while they provide care to their patients. The mask extenders allow medical professionals to work more comfortably while taking safety precautions.
UA Cossatot’s OTA Director, Tamla Heminger said, “We feel it is crucial for our students to learn, but also for them to have opportunities to give back and participate in community service and service-learning projects. In honor of Occupational Therapy Month, the students came up with some excellent ideas that they could do to help others while maintaining social distancing requirements. With the current pandemic situation, these were fun, creative ways to help make a small difference.”
The OTA students and instructors completed their OT Month celebration by having a virtual lunch together via Zoom on April 23, 2020.
To learn more about UA Cossatot’s OTA program, please contact UA Cossatot OTA Director, Tamla Heminger, at 870-584-1496 or theminger@cccua.edu.

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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.

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Thank You, Arkansas Teachers

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Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4-8. As a professional association that serves Arkansas teachers, and as parents and educators ourselves, we at the Arkansas State Teachers Association have the utmost confidence in the women and men serving our state’s students. Your professionalism and dedication have shined during these disruptive times. As you work tirelessly to meet the needs of our children and demands of your districts, you also manage the care and learning of your own children and loved ones who need you.

The care, encouragement, and learning provided students at this time is nothing short of heroic. Yes, heroic, as we also take your distressing calls on a daily basis and know the realities behind the smiles and hope you bring students. We have cried and problem-solved with you as you worry over serving children with special needs, living in difficult home environments, and whose families are struggling – and all while learning new technology and methods and striving to meet the expectations of administration. You certainly carry one of the heaviest loads at this time. Thank you for all you do during these tough days and always. Thank you for choosing education. Thank you for your dedication to our state’s most precious treasures, our children. Your value is beyond measure.

Fellow Arkansans, it’s Teacher Appreciation Week. We encourage you to join us at the Arkansas State Teachers Association as we celebrate our teachers and recognize their efforts during these extraordinary times.

Michele Ballentine-Linch, Phd

Executive Director

Arkansas State Teachers Association

Arkansas State Teachers Association

The Arkansas State Teachers Association (ASTA) is our state's fastest-growing nonunion professional teachers association, advancing the profession through teacher advocacy and professional development, as well as promoting excellence in education, so that our members receive the respect, recognition and reward they deserve.