ARKANSAS, USA — Governor Asa Hutchinson says the state continues to follow CDC guidelines, but as a result of parent's concerns, he has authorized each school district to close school for on-site instruction through the end of this week (March 16-20).
Hutchinson says he recommends schools move to online instruction on Monday (March 16), but it will be mandatory on Tuesday (March 17). Classes will resume after spring break which is March 23-27.
Schools closed Monday include:
- Alma Public Schools
- Bentonville, Bentonville West Public Schools
- Berryville Public Schools
- Clarksville Public Schools
- Dover Public Schools
- Elkins Public Schools
- Farmington Public Schools
- Fayetteville Christian School
- Fayetteville Public Schools
- First Baptist Christian School in Rogers
- Fort Smith Public Schools
- Gentry Public Schools
- Gravette Public Schools
- Greenland Public Schools
- Greenwood Public Schools
- Haas Hall Schools
- Hackett Public Schools
- Johnson County Westside Public Schools
- Lamar Public Schools
- Lavaca Public Schools
- Life Way Christian School
- Ouachita River School District
- Ozark Public Schools
- Paris Public Schools
- Pea Ridge Public Schools
- Prairie Grove Public Schools
- Rogers Public Schools
- Scranton Public Schools
- Shiloh Christian Schools
- Springdale Public Schools
- Stepping Stone School in Alma
- St. Joseph's Catholic School in Fayetteville and Paris
- Subiaco Academy
- Union Christian Academy in Fort Smith
- Van Buren Public Schools
- Waldron Public Schools
- West Fork Public Schools
The closings do not apply to daycares.
For information on Fayetteville Public School meals and health services during these closures, click here.
Four more Arkansans have tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), totaling 16 cases so far in Arkansas.
According to the Arkansas Department of Health, as of now, there are 30 people under investigation for COVID-19, 237 people being monitored by ADH with daily check-ins, and 1-3 people have tested negative for the virus.
Of the four new cases, two are related to the first initial case in Jefferson County.
There are over 100 negative tests so far in Arkansas.
The ADH can now test up to 40 people a day for the virus and say that number should increase by the end of the week.
The governor told the public to avoid "panic buying" during this time.
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 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.), 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.
We will continue to update this story with the latest information.