LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — In his weekly coronavirus update Tuesday (Oct. 20), Governor Asa Hutchinson said he is minimizing contact with others after being in a meeting with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 last Friday (Oct. 16).
Arkansas House Speaker Matthew Shepherd announced Tuesday that Pre-Session Budget Hearings and all other legislative meetings previously scheduled for the remainder of this week are postponed. House and Senate leaders agreed to postpone these meetings upon learning that three legislators tested positive for COVID-19.
Rep. Michelle Gray and Rep. Stu Smith individually informed Speaker Shepherd that each has tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally, Senate President Pro Tempore Jim Hendren announced that Sen. Terry Rice of Waldron has also tested positive.
Speaker Shepherd released the following statement:
"Rep. Gray and Rep. Smith informed me they are doing well. I wish them all a speedy recovery. Leadership and staff are consulting with the Arkansas Department of Health in regards to contact tracing. I am confident, even with this short break, that we can still accomplish the work required in advance of the 2021 Regular Session."
The following message was released by Gov. Hutchinson on Twitter about limiting public appearances.
Gov. Hutchinson said he tested negative for the virus Monday (Oct. 19) with both a PCR test and an antigen test, and that he will be tested regularly over the next week. Hutchinson spent Monday traveling to cities across the state to push for voters to pass a sales tax extension for Arkansas roads.