LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has issued an executive order mandating new safety measures for commercial lodgings, short-term rentals, and other institutions and operations in order to protect public health during the COVID-19 crisis, he announced at a news conference today.

“Every day, we review guidance from state and federal health experts and evaluate additional steps we can take to protect Arkansans from the spread of COVID-19,” Governor Hutchinson said. “I am grateful that Arkansans have taken extraordinary efforts to practice social distancing and flatten the curve. It is my hope that these new measures will provide further protection for Arkansans as we prepare for the peak number of COVID-19 cases in our state.”

The Governor has directed that commercial lodgings and short-term rentals, including, hotels, motels, and vacation rentals, only permit occupancy for the following authorized guests:

• Healthcare professionals;

• First responders;

• Law enforcement;

• State or federal employees on official business;

• National Guard members on active duty;

• Airline crew members;

• Patients of hospitals and their families;

• Journalists;

• Persons unable to return to their home due to COVID-19 travel restrictions;

• Arkansas citizens unable to return to their home due to exigent circumstances, such as fire, flood, tornado, or other disaster;

• Persons in need of shelter due to domestic violence or homelessness;

• Employees of hotels, motels, or other service providers/contractors of a hotel or motel;

• and persons away from their home due to work or work-related travel.

Read the Executive Order, EO 20-13, HERE.

If you are not a member of the media and have questions or concerns about COVID-19, you can contact the Arkansas Department of Health at 1-800-803-7847 or visit ar.gov/covid.