Vaccinations open to Arkansans 16 and older; mask mandate ends

State employees, hospitals continue to wear masks

By Brianna Kwasnik
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Tuesday announced vaccine eligibility has been opened to all Arkansans age 16 and older, and that the statewide mask mandate has been lifted.

1,153,739 doses have been administered in Arkansas to-date, Hutchinson said, citing CDC figures.

Hutchinson clarified the lifting of the mandate does not mean the use of the masks will end. The governor asked residents to respect the decisions of others in regards to masks.

State employees will continue to be required to wear masks, should they be unable to practice social distancing, according to the governor. However, hotels, restaurants and other businesses will make individual decisions about whether they will require their patrons to wear masks. READ MORE.