LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — The Arkansas governor announced Wednesday new financial assistance for people and businesses affected by the coronavirus outbreak, including a temporarily waiver of the state’s work requirement for food stamps.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson ordered the changes as Arkansas saw its coronavirus cases rise from 22 to 37, its largest single-day increase.
For most people, the coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
The vast majority of people recover from the virus, which causes the disease called COVID-19. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.
Hutchinson says the new assistance will include loans for some mid-sized businesses and incentives for child care providers to remain open.
Hutchinson on Tuesday announced he was also easingrestrictions on seeking unemployment.
Updated 3/19/20 at 6:43 AM