LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The state of Arkansas has reported six total presumed cases of the coronavirus.
Governor Asa Hutchinson said the six people seem to be located in and around four counties: Jefferson, Grant, Pulaski and Saline.
The state recommended that the schools in those four counties close for the next two weeks.
The health department confirmed the state’s first case on Wednesday.
During a news conference on Wednesday, Governor Asa Hutchinson said the agency tested a Pine Bluff man for the coronavirus. That test was sent to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for confirmation.
The patient has a history of traveling out of state and has been in isolation at an Arkansas hospital.
In response to the case, Hutchison announced he will be signing an executive order declaring a public health emergency in the state.
The mayor of Helena-West Helena issued a proclamation Thursday declaring a public health emergency in the city due to the virus.
“I have also appointed a COVID-19 Emergency Management Task Force,” Mayor Kevin Smith.
Smith did not say whether there was a confirmed case of coronavirus in Helena-West Helena.
