The state of Arkansas has just received the first batch of 211,000 at-home testing kits, the distribution to begin until the end of the week

Little Rock, Arkansas – The state of Arkansas is looking forward to improve the home-kits Covid-19 tests shortage after they received the first batch of the 211,000 at-home testing kits and their distribution is set to begin by the end of the week.

According to Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, the state will have to $10 million for the home-kits and the Governor office will use the Covid-19 response budget to cover this expense.

The tests will be available at public local libraries, public health units, and other locations. The National Guard will be assisting in the delivery of these at-home tests, the Governor said.

Additionally, Gov. Hutchinson requested $50 million to be distributed across Arkansas hospitals to fund extra beds while the state is battling the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus and hospitals are once again under heavy pressure.

This request was approved by the Arkansas American Rescue Plan Act Steering Committee, and the disbursement of this funding requires legislative approval.

This is the list of hospitals that will receive part of the $50 million worth budget for extra beds:

• Bernards Medical Center
• Mercy – Rogers
• Conway Regional
• SVI – LR
• SVI – Hot Springs
• Washington Regional
• Unity Health – White County
• Baptist Health – Conway
• Baptist Health – Van Buren
• Mercy – Fort Smith
• Arkansas Children’s

For more details about the current Covid-19 numbers and vaccination sites, please visit Arkansas Department of Health website.