KUAR:
The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) on Tuesday reported a record 6,562 new COVID cases in the previous 24 hours, bringing the cumulative total to 581,134. Active cases rose by 5,118 to a record 32,280.
“This (record case numbers) tells us we are entering a period of probably the greatest risk and the greatest challenge that we’ve faced during the pandemic,” Gov. Hutchinson said. “We have Omicron here that is less severe, but at the same time the sheer volume of numbers as it moves forward gives us challenges we haven’t faced before.”
Gov. Hutchinson also said he has no plans to re-instate an emergency health declaration or push for mask mandates.
See also: Arkansas Deploys National Guard To Help With COVID Tests