Arkansas Department of Health officials announced that COVID-19 cases in Arkansas increased by 1,226 on Thursday, the highest single-day increase in new cases since September.
Officials announced six new deaths, bringing the total number of deaths in the state as a result of the pandemic to 8,693.
Hospitalizations were up by nine, bringing the total number of patients hospitalized in the state to 432.
There are currently 78 patients in the state on ventilators, up four from the day previous.
There are 6,585 cases of COVID-19 considered active in the state, which includes those that have tested positive by both PCR and antigen testing methods. The ADH dashboard currently lists 430 active cases in Washington County and 565 in Benton County.
There were 6,514 PCR tests and 1,976 antigen tests announced Monday.
The new cases bring the total cumulative count in Arkansas to 530,994 since the pandemic began.
Fayetteville Public Schools on Wednesday, Dec. 1 showed four new positive cases, for a total of 15 positive cases currently active in the district. There are 35 students currently in quarantine, and six of those are quarantining due to probable close contact at school. The district announced zero new positive case among staff, for a total of five active positive staff cases. Six staff members are currently in quarantine or isolation, according to the district's dashboard.
Arkansas is averaging 563 new cases per day, or 19 per 100,000 residents over the last two weeks. According to the New York Times COVID-19 tracker, cases in the state are up by 2% over the last 14 days.
The state announced that 11,207 additional doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered, bringing the total number of doses given by the state to 3,434,559. The state lists 328,745 as partially immunized, and 1,448,597 individuals as fully immunized.
All Arkansans ages 5 and older are currently eligible for a vaccine. Those who need assistance locating a vaccine can call 1-800-985-6030.
