Hutchinson expands vaccine availability
During his weekly news briefing Tuesday, Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced the COVID-19 vaccine is now available to those in category 1-C.
Hutchinson said President Joe Biden and his administration has encouraged states to make everyone eligible by May 1 and wants more phases open. He added the supply is increasing.
Phase 1-A is complete, but phase 1-B is still getting vaccinated.
“It is also important to open up 1-C because of some slowing down of demand,” Hutchinson said.
Phase 1-C includes: •Those ages 16 to 64 with health conditions that increase the risk for COVID-19.
•Essential workers in energy, finance, food service, information technology and communications, legal, media, public health and human services, public safety, shelter and housing and transportation and logistics.
•People residing in high risk settings such as those incarcerated or detained and those living in group homes, congregate settings or crowded housing and student housing.
Hutchinson explained those newly available may still have to wait to get an appointment. He urged patience.
He pointed out nearly 1 million people are being added.
He said the supply is still limited, even though they are getting around 84,000 to 85,000 doses each week.
The vaccine hotline is 1-800985-6030. That number should help patients figure where they can reserve an appointment slot.
Hutchinson expressed concern that those in rural areas have lower acceptance rates for the vaccine. He said the state is working to overcome those rates.
When asked, Hutchinson said rural residents don’t see as many cases because they are spread out, so they may not understand the need.
“If we want to get back to
normal, everyone must get vaccinated,” he said.
So far, the state has received 1,325,200 doses and given 781,348 or 59 percent.
The federal program has received 174,380 and given 82,532 or 47.3 percent.
In total, between the two programs, the state has received 1,499,580 doses and given 863,880.
The state has 265,115 partially immunized individuals and 303,823 fully immunized.
Hutchinson said that is 1- percent of the population fully immunized.
“It is exciting for us to see that go up,” Hutchinson said.
Regarding the number of new cases, Hutchinson reported 211 confirmed new cases for a confirmed total of 257,449 with 2,084 confirmed active and 251,003 recoveries.
Probable cases rose by 185 to 70,007 with 827 probable active and 68,094 recovered.
Confirmed deaths increased by 11 to 4,387 and there was one new probable death bringing its total to 1,106.
Hospitalizations went up by seven to 257 with 58 on ventilators.
The state received results for 2,614 PCR tests and 1,618 antigen tests.
The counties with the most new cases are Pulaski with 54, Benton with 49, Washington with 35, Faulkner with 22 and Baxter with 15.
Hutchinson praised the case report.
“Our cases are still low,” he said.
He warned about becoming complacent due to the numbers being at a plateau, pointing out they could go up or down.
“We have to stay disciplined. We have to stay focused. The virus is still in the state,” he said.
He is proud to report the positivity rate for the state is down to 5 percent. The goal was 10 percent.
President and CEO of the Arkansas Bankers Association Lorrie Trogdon announced banks are partnering with pharmacies to provide space for clinics.
“Currently, there are several clinics scheduled,” she said.
She said to call local pharmacies to learn about specific clinics.
Secretary of Health Dr. Jose Romero emphasized the need for everyone to get vaccinated. He said the state needs 70 to 90 percent vaccination for herd immunity.
Hutchinson expressed concern about language in the latest stimulus relief bill saying the funds cannot be used to offset net tax reductions. He said he has advised the legislative leadership to move ahead with tax cuts because he does not feel the federal government should restrict cuts.
Hutchinson encouraged anyone who travels or congregates during the upcoming spring break to get tested.
Hutchinson was asked about Senate Bill 301, which would refund fines levied to businesses by the state for failure to comply with COVID-19 restrictions. Hutchinson feels this bill violates the separation of powers and the way government functions. He said it also impedes the separation of powers of the courts, which have already found the state can levy the fines.
He is planning to sign the bill put forth to give the legislature greater power to end health emergencies. He said he worked with the creators to ensure a balanced bill where the legislature perform its role while retaining the flexibility needed to respond to an emergency.
Croagh Patrick is a steep mountain in County Mayo in Ireland. It is situated five miles from the town of Westport. The mountain’s summit soars above the surrounding countryside and enables those who manage to reach the top a magnificent view of Clew Bay.
The mountain is significant in Irish history because it was both a place of worship predating the arrival of Christianity in the country, but also the place St. Patrick was purported to have completed a 40- day Lenten ritual in the 5th century. Croagh Patrick is considered the holiest mountain in Ireland.
Each year on the last Sunday of July, which coincides with the pagan festival of Lughnasadh, thousands of people climb Croagh Patrick, also called The Reek or Patrick’s Sacred Mountain, to reach the summit. The Irish heritage resource YourIrish. com estimates that between 30,000 and 40,000 people make the pilgrimage each year, most of them barefoot. Most consider it an important spiritual milestone.
Weather may prevent individuals from scaling the mountain during the month of March, but visiting the site is something that many tourists and native Irish alike aspire to do at some point in their lives. According to the Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre, the first stop is the Saint Patrick’s statue, which was erected in 1928 by Reverend Father Patterson. In addition to viewing the statue and taking in some amazing views, visitors can stop in the Visitor Centre, known as “Teach na Miasa,” which means “house of the dishes.” It is believed the monks of nearby Murrisk Abbey washed their utensils in the stream that runs alongside the road to the center, called “Bóthar na Miasa ( road of the dishes),” hence the name. A restaurant and craft shop are housed in Teach na Miasa.
There are many sights to see and rich history to learn along the trek. An archaeological excavation performed during the 1990s at the mountain discovered the remains of a small chapel dating to the time of St. Patrick, helping to solidify the authenticity of his Lenten pilgrimage so long ago. Croagh Patrick is a symbolic place that heralds Ireland’s Christian roots.