LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Gov. Asa Hutchinson confirmed Sunday that Arkansas saw 406 new COVID-19 cases and 14 more deaths.
The numbers come a day after the state saw its first omicron case on Friday.
Hutchinson made the announcement on Twitter, saying it was expected and "we expect more cases of the variant to be confirmed in the near future."
"This is not a surprise, but it is a compelling reason to get a booster shot now," he said.
Key facts to know:
- Total cases: 543,648 (+406)
- Active cases: 7,693 (-215)
- Total deaths: 8,956 (+14)
- Hospitalized: 516 (+0)
- On ventilators: 93 (-1)
- Fully vaccinated: 1,488,345 (+1,008)
A total of 8,956 people have died in Arkansas due to the virus and nearly 1.49 million have been fully vaccinated against coronavirus.
"Active cases decreased today with no new hospitalizations, this is positive news as we move into the week of Christmas. As families gather this week make sure to use caution as we face the incoming Omicron virus," Gov. Hutchinson tweeted.
We will update this article with more information as it becomes available.