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The highly contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus is on the rise nationwide, particularly in states with low vaccination rates such as Arkansas, a reality cited by Hutchinson at the start of the interview with host Jake Tapper. Unvaccinated people account for the vast majority of current hospitalizations and deaths from the coronavirus, with people who have not been vaccinated accounting for around 97% of hospital cases.
Hutchinson called it a “pivotal moment” for the state as the school year approaches. The governor said he was holding public meetings on the importance of getting vaccinated, which he said has spurred an increase in vaccinations.
“What is holding us back is a low vaccination rate. We are doing everything we can,” Hutchinson said. “And I made the decision that this is really not what the government can tell you to do, but it is the community and its engagement and the citizens speaking to other trusted citizens and advisers, who ‘it is the medical community or the employers. These are key elements. ”
The comments came as leaders of under-vaccinated states grapple with coronavirus outbreaks. Another head of the red state, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, said last week it was “time to start blaming the unvaccinated” for the spread of the virus.
The country’s top infectious disease expert, Anthony Fauci, also said on Sunday that leaders in regions with vaccination delays should “speak out” to persuade people to get vaccinated and mitigate a resurgence of the pandemic.
Hutchinson noted: “There is a very hardened resistance” but called it “a small percentage”, and argued that residents can be persuaded to get the vaccine.
“There is more [people] who come to the town meeting trying to get information that they have delayed or are hesitant about. They are worried about the health consequences, ”he said. “And so that’s where you have a community doctor answering questions. … And so we see people who were previously resistant or hesitant to bring him in and get vaccinated. “
Tapper lobbied Hutchinson over the state’s ban on mask warrants, which the governor signed. Hutchinson called the move the “will” of the state legislature and said the state’s “singular emphasis” is on immunization.
“I really think it’s important not to have the current debate about wearing a mask, but to have the current focus on getting a vaccine,” he said.
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