Arkansas allowing pools, water parks to reopen this month

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas pools and water parks can reopen this month with new coronavirus restrictions, Gov. Asa Hutchinson said Friday, as lawmakers approved setting aside another $92 million to help businesses comply with new safety rules.

Hutchinson said pools will be allowed to reopen on May 22, the latest move by the Republican governor to roll back the state’s coronavirus restrictions. The decision will also allow splash pads and swim beaches to reopen that day.

Hutchinson said the pools will be limited to 50% capacity and no entry will be allowed for anyone with a fever, symptoms of the virus or who has had contact with a positive patient. The new rules will also require 6 feet of distance in all areas.

“That should be welcome news before we go into Memorial Day that we’ll have that open at least with those limited restrictions,” Hutchinson said.

Unlike most states, Arkansas did not issue a stay-at-home order during the pandemic. But the state imposed other restrictions that have been eased in recent days. Restaurants will be allowed to resume sit-down service starting Monday.

Health officials said at least 3,747 people in the state have tested positive for the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, an increase from the 3,665 reported Thursday. The true number is likely higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.

The state’s deaths from the virus remain at 88. For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

The Legislative Council approved spending up to another $92 million in federal coronavirus relief funds on grants to help businesses buy protective gear or other expenses in order to comply with virus safety rules.

The increase clears the way for the state to potentially pay for all of the $147 million in requests it’s received for the grants. The state economic development office is reviewing the grant applications.

Lawmakers have criticized the program’s rollout after the state began taking applications before there was legislative approval to use federal funds for the grants.

The state last week halted applications less than an hour into its launch after more than twice as many requests came in for the $15 million initially set aside for the program. The state resumed taking applications Tuesday and Wednesday after legislative leaders set aside another $40 million for the program over the weekend.

The Health Department also detailed its rules the state’s three casinos must follow to open on May 18. Under the rules, the casinos must submit detailed plans for reopening that include how they’ll maintain 6 feet of distance between people and track customers for possible use in contact tracing.

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