FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas athletics director Hunter Yurachek was one of 27 people appointed to Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson's task force for economic recovery Saturday.
Hutchinson announced the task force during his daily covid-19 news conference that was held at the Arkansas Department of Health. The committee includes representatives from various fields related to the state's economy.
“Whether it is agriculture, whether it is outdoor recreation or whether it is sports, and sports is a part of our economy," Hutchinson said, "they will be represented in this task force, as well as the small businessperson, represented through the National Federation of Independent Business, having representative there, the retail associations will be on there, on and on down the list really every aspect of our economy.
“The expectation of this task force is that they will meet in their industry group and will look at their own guidelines within their industry to see how they can, consistent with the public health requirement, allow them to expand in their industry, to open up more and to put this economy in a higher gear. But to do it in a way that is consistent with public health requirements and that gives the public confidence.”
Hutchinson has announced a target date of May 4 to begin lifting some restrictions related to the coronavirus, but the date could be pushed back if the virus sees a resurgence inside the state.
As of Saturday there were 1,739 confirmed cases of the virus in Arkansas with 38 deaths and 703 recoveries.
Along with governors nationwide, Hutchinson's decision to potentially lift restrictions in coming weeks could impact the status of the college football season. Governors have been primarily responsible for stay-at-home or social-distancing guidelines that vary from state to state based on the severity of the virus.
On Friday, Hutchinson said he was hopeful the college football season would begin on time.
"When it is determined to be safe to resume Razorback events, we look forward to the opportunity to not only raise the spirits of Arkansans, but also play a substantial role in contributing to the revitalization of the Arkansas economy," Yurachek said in a statement.