COVID-19 update: CDC stresses importance of in-person learning

FILE - In this Thursday, March 11, 2021 file photo, desks are arranged in a classroom at an elementary school in Nesquehoning, Pa. (AP/Matt Slocum, File)
FILE - In this Thursday, March 11, 2021 file photo, desks are arranged in a classroom at an elementary school in Nesquehoning, Pa. (AP/Matt Slocum, File)

As a service to our readers, The Sentinel-Record publishes updates released by the city of Hot Springs and the state of Arkansas.

The Arkansas Department of Health is no longer reporting confirmed and probable cases separately or updating its stats on the weekend. The following stats were posted Monday on the Health Department's website:

• 357,473 cumulative cases, up 2,013 from Friday.

• 806.86 rolling seven-day average of new confirmed cases, up 61.86 from Sunday.

• 3,177,045 test reports, up 18,001 from Friday.

• 8.7% cumulative PCR infection rate, no change from Friday.

• 7,225 active cases, up 620 from Friday.

• 344,188 recoveries, up 1,355 from Friday.

• 2,738,380 vaccines doses received, up 14,340 from Friday.

• 2,184,869 doses given, up 11,976 from Friday.

• 565 hospitalizations, up 68 from Friday.

• 94 cases on a ventilator, up 13 from Friday.

• 213 ICU admissions, up 17 from Friday.

• 5,955 confirmed deaths, up seven from Friday.

• 2,092 nursing home deaths, down one from Friday.

• 10,917 cumulative cases in Garland County, up 93 from Friday.

• 39.43 rolling seven-day average, up 4.43 from Sunday.

• 123,009 test reports, up 717 from Friday.

• 8.7% cumulative PCR infection rate, no change from Friday.

• 321 active cases in Garland County, up 50 from Friday.

• 10,331 recoveries in Garland County, up 43 from Friday.

• 266 deaths, up one from Friday.

Updated guidance the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued Friday stressed the importance of in-person learning, even if a school can't implement all of the recommended prevention strategies.

"For example, because of the importance of in-person learning, schools where not everyone is fully vaccinated should implement physical distancing to the extent possible within their structures (in addition to masking and other prevention strategies), but should not exclude students from in-person learning to keep a minimum distance requirement," the updated guidance said.

Masks should be worn indoors by everyone age 2 and older who is not vaccinated, according to the guidance.

"Consistent and correct mask use by people who are not fully vaccinated is especially important indoors and in crowded settings, when physical distancing cannot be maintained," the guidance said.

Face coverings cannot be mandated in Arkansas schools, as Act 1002 passed earlier this year by the Legislature prohibits a state agency or entity from compelling the use of face coverings, prohibiting a face covering from being a condition for entry, education or services.

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