The Arkansas Department of Health continues to provide updates on COVID-19. https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/novel-coronavirus
Correct link for the press briefing by Governor Hutchinson. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq8lsfoBGQk&t=332s
Gov. Hutchinson's March 15 COVID-19 update. (starts at 3:15). Includes information on school closings. https://www.youtube.com/c/governorasahutchinson/live
BREAKING NEWS: The Arkansas Department of Education in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Health is closing all public schools STATEWIDE starting Tuesday, March 17th until Monday, March 30th. Districts MAY close on Monday, March 16 if they are prepared to do so.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issues recommendations on school closures. These recommendations, which are available at the following link, are based on science, reports, and by consulting with school health experts: https://bit.ly/39QxCci.
Commissioner's Memo LS-20-089 containing guidance for schools regarding COVID-19 has again been re-released with updates, including Governor Hutchinson's press conference on Friday, March 13. http://adecm.arkansas.gov/ViewApprovedMemo.aspx?id=4328
Commissioner's Memo FT-20-006 has information for school districts regarding the reporting of unused or underutilized public school facilities. http://adecm.arkansas.gov/ViewApprovedMemo.aspx?Id=4349
Commissioner's Memo LS-20-089 containing guidance for schools regarding COVID-19 has been re-released with updates. http://adecm.arkansas.gov/ViewApprovedMemo.aspx?id=4328
Secretary of State John Thurston is ordering the closure of the AR State Capitol to the public, effective Friday, March 13. Only authorized personnel will be permitted to enter the building for work purposes. Updates to the building's status will be made periodically.
The Arkansas Department of Education in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Health is closing all public schools in Pulaski, Jefferson, Grant and Saline Counties starting Friday, March 13th until Monday, March 30th. #COVID-19
Free Online Screening for COVID-19 By answering a series of questions about your symptoms, age, overall health and travel, this screening will provide you with ways to access more information if needed. https://uamshealth.com/
The Center for Disease Control & Prevention has guidance for schools on preparing for the possibility of community outbreaks of COVID-19. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-for-schools.html
Any suspected case (with symptoms) of COVID-19 should be reported to the Arkansas Department of Health immediately at 501-537-8969 (M-F 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM) or 1-800-554-5738 (after hours and weekends).
The Arkansas Department of Health has been designated as the lead agency in coordinating information in response to COVID-19. Get information and updates here: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/novel-coronavirus
Additional guidance for Arkansas schools regarding COVID-19 has been released in Commissioner's Memo LS-20-089. http://adecm.arkansas.gov/ViewApprovedMemo.aspx?id=4328
Governor Hutchinson declares a public health emergency in response to COVID-19. See Executive Order 20-03 here.
https://governor.arkansas.gov/news-media/press-releases/governor-hutchinson-confirms-states-first-presumptive-positive-covid-19-cas
Governor Hutchinson has announced that Arkansas has identified its first “presumptive” COVID-19 case. https://talkbusiness.net/2020/03/gov-hutchinson-first-presumptive-coronavirus-case-confirmed-in-arkansas/
The ADE-DESE Office of Computer Science announces the continuation of the Advanced High School Computer Science Professional Development Bonus (previously stipend) Program. http://adecm.arkansas.gov/ViewApprovedMemo.aspx?id=4346
The ADE Office of Computer Science announces the continuation and a $200,000 expansion of the K-8 Computer Science Lead Teacher Bonus (previously Stipend) and Training Program for the 2020-2021 school year. http://adecm.arkansas.gov/ViewApprovedMemo.aspx?id=4344
The ADE-DESE Office of Computer Science releases informational updates to the Arkansas High School Computer Science Teacher Endorsement and Instruction Bonus Program. http://adecm.arkansas.gov/ViewApprovedMemo.aspx?id=4345