CDC lowers Covid transmission level for SFC

The Covid transmission level in St. Francis and Lee counties has been lowered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, although it remains higher in other counties throughout this region.

According to the CDC, the transmission level in St. Francis and Lee is currently considered low, a decline from earlier this month when that level was medium.

In Cross, Phillips and Crittenden counties, the transmission level is currently medium, and in Monroe and Woodruff counties that level is considered high.

The CDC is reporting an additional 344 cases of Covid in this region over the past week, with 52 of those cases being in St. Francis County. Of those 52, the CDC shows two people were hospitalized with the virus.

The CDC reports that currently there are 16 cases of the virus in Lee County, 48 in Phillips, 110 in Crittenden, 50 in Cross, 40 in Woodruff and 28 in Monroe.

According to the CDC, those living in communities with low and medium transmission levels are encouraged to stay up to date on vaccines and get tested if showing symptoms of the virus. Anyone with Covid symptoms, a positive test or exposure to someone with Covid is urged to wear a mask on public transportation.

In medium-level communities, those at high risk for severe illness should also consider wearing a mask indoors in public and taking additional precautions.

Those living in communities where the transmission level is considered high should wear a mask indoors in public and on public transportation in addition to saying up to date on Covid vaccines.

The CDC shows 51.4% of SFC’s population is fully vaccinated, with 60.7% of residents having received one dose of a vaccine.

Katie West • Times-Herald Forrest City Mayor Cedric Williams is a good sport as he takes a pie to the face from his wife, Brandye Williams, as part of a Jordans Way fundraiser held Friday at the Forrest City Animal Shelter. The fundraiser was an effort to help the shelter and to find homes for animals housed there.