LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Friday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,824 new cases; 16,944 active cases; 808 hospitalized, which is down 7 from Thursday; 144 on ventilators, which is down 1 from Thursday; deaths added today, 41, for a total of 5,050; a total of 304,723 cases; 226,415 recoveries; PCR tests, 11,496; antigen tests, 3,294.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 195; Washington, 138; Benton, 128; White, 87; and Faulkner, 79.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

"We are continuing to increase our vaccine administration efforts across the state, with over 22,000 reported yesterday. This week, we have seen over 85,000 doses administered, which is an increase of nearly 30%. It's critical each of us follow department of health guidance this weekend to protect ourselves, our friends, and our families.

"Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Here are today's COVID-19 vaccine statewide numbers: