Covid cases climb in Bella Vista

Mask mandate remains in effect

BELLA VISTA — As of Sept. 7, the Arkansas Center For Health Improvement reports 201 covid-19 cases, 38 of which were new, in the city.

The Little Rock-based health policy center has been releasing data for Arkansas cities weekly and, according to a trend table the organization provided, Bella Vista has seen its highest increase in covid-19 cases at 13 new cases per 10,000 residents on the week ending Sept. 7.

The week ending Aug. 31, with nine new cases per 10,000 residents, was the next highest reported.

The weeks of Aug. 10 and Aug. 17 saw three and four new cases per 10,000, respectively, and the week of Aug. 20 did not see any new cases, according to the table.

The organization also reports nearby Bentonville has seen 587 total cases, with 58 new as of Sept. 7, and Rogers has seen 2,783 total cases with 112 new cases in the week ending Sept. 7.

The Arkansas Department of Health reports that Benton County as a whole has seen 5,793 total cases with 5,450 recoveries and 62 deaths as of Sept. 13.

In nearby Washington County, the state reports a total of 8,032 cases with 7,209 recoveries and 87 deaths.

Statewide, the ADH reports 69,050 total cases with 62,243 recoveries and 976 deaths.

The McDonald County, Mo., Health Department reports 1,075 total cases as of Sept. 13, with two new cases that day, one hospitalized patient, 1,039 patient releases and 11 deaths.

A mask mandate issued by Gov. Asa Hutchinson July 20 remains in effect, though Hutchinson has ceased providing daily updates, citing improvements in informational channels available to the public.

The mandate, issued via executive order, requires individuals to wear masks in indoor and outdoor settings where individuals are likely to come within 6 feet of non-household members or potentially face a fine of $100 to $500.

The state reports the best way to avoid covid-19 infection is to avoid contact with the virus, which spreads primarily person-to-person, potentially also through individuals who are not showing symptoms.

The department advises individuals to wash their hands frequently with soap and water and avoid touching their faces.

It also suggests individuals avoid close contact and cover their mouth and nose with a face mask when safe distance cannot be reliably maintained.