Hutchinson announces series of COVID-19 “conversations”

Fort Smith, Arkansas September 24, 2019 - The U.S. Marshals Museum in Fort smith Arkansas choose the 130th Anniversary of the U.S. Marshals to dedicate it’s brand new Hall of Honor and the museum building itself. This is the first part of the museum to be finished so far, the museum is still under construction and hopes to open to the public by the end of next year. Speakers at todays dedication included Doug Babb, Sam T. Sicard, Robert A. Young III, Ltd. Governor Tim Griffin, Governor Asa Hutchinson and U.S. Marshals Director Donald Washington. Photo by: Shane T. McCoy / US Marshals

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Gov. Asa Hutchinson has announced a series of what he calls “community COVID conversations” across the state to persuade more Arkansans to receive COVID-19 vaccinations as the disease makes a comeback in the state. Hutchinson said Tuesday he wants to hear and answer concerns reluctant residents have about getting vaccinated in Arkansas, which has vaccination rate lower than the national average. Hutchinson’s first event is scheduled for Thursday in Cabot. He said 270 new COVID-19 cases with 55 new hospitalizations and six new deaths had been reported since Monday. He said 98% to 99% of those hospitalized weren’t vaccinated. Hutchinson also called for businesses to give employees paid time off to be vaccinated.