LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Arkansas on Thursday reported 17 more deaths from the illness caused by the coronavirus and one of its highest one-day increases in new confirmed cases.
The Department of Health said 1,246 people have died from COVID-19 since the pandemic began. That figure includes confirmed and probable cases.
The state's confirmed cases rose Thursday by 1,030 to 76,676. The state also reported an additional 56 new probable cases. The actual number of cases in Arkansas is likely higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.
Arkansas has ranked fourth in the country for new cases per capita, according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University. A White House task force earlier this week said the state needed stronger compliance with its mitigation efforts.
The number of people hospitalized in the state due to COVID-19 dropped by 11 to 457.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson said the latest figures should be a sign of caution for everyone engaging in work, school or recreation.
"We have limited tools to stop the spread, and our self-isolation when needed and our social distancing will be successful if we all do our part," Hutchinson said in a statement.