Arkansas is allowing its three casinos to reopen May 18 but with new capacity limits and rules to prevent the spread of coronavirus, Gov. Asa Hutchinson said Thursday.
The Republican governor said the casinos, including ones at a West Memphis dog track and a Hot Springs horse track, will be limited to one-third their capacity. The casinos have been closed since March 17.
The decision is the latest in a series of moves the state has taken to ease restrictions that temporarily closed businesses during the novel coronavirus pandemic. Gyms, barbershops and hair salons were allowed to reopen this week, and restaurants can resume sit-down service on Monday.
Health officials said at least 3,665 people in the state have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. That is an increase from the 3,568 reported on Wednesday. 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 said three more people have died from COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus, bringing the state's total deaths to the coronavirus to 88.