In an interview with Arkansas Business last week, McLaurin disagreed with Parkinson’s take on the events. “We have never said that we could not have hearings as a result of coronavirus issues,” he said. He also said that the department stands by the allegations in the order. He said Parkinson and Shefte were never told the department couldn’t “substantiate the allegations in the order, or that we have any plans to undo the order at a hearing or otherwise,” McLaurin said.