As our state deals with the spread of covid-19 in the midst of a global outbreak, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette will publish five things you need to know each week. We’ll be translating these round-ups into Spanish. You can read our full coverage at arkansasonline.com/coronavirus/.
• Arkansas has 704 confirmed cases of covid-19, according to data posted Friday. Health officials reported 12 deaths and 60 people recovered.
• Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced Wednesday that some state parks would close to stop the spread of covid-19. The Buffalo National River also closed Thursday until further notice.
• On Saturday, lawmakers passed a bill that created a $173 million state fund to help fight covid-19. Two state representatives tested positive for the virus after they met in the Jack Stephens basketball arena for the vote.
• Two Arkansas companies – Sniffle Health and Little Rock's Natural State Laboratories – began offering drive-through covid-19 tests in North Little Rock and Arkadelphia this week. A list of additional sites is available at ar-covid19.com. Healthcare workers and first responders in Northwest Arkansas can get tested at a new drive-through site in Bentonville, the governor announced.
• The governor also announced that more than 30,000 Arkansans have filed for unemployment benefits. The number is rising as businesses close and lay off or furlough employees.