Meredith: People should wear masks at holiday gatherings

Covid cases once again increasing

With Christmas quickly approaching, people are reminded to remain diligent in their efforts to protect themselves and loved ones from the virus as cases are once again on the rise.

"People really need to wear their masks," said Dr. James T. Meredith, St. Francis County’s Health Officer. "Everywhere I go, I see people without their masks on."

Meredith also said proper mask position is important as well.

"I see people wearing them under their chin, or even over their mouths and not their noses,” said Meredith. "Experts are predicting we are going to have another big surge because of Christmas.

"You could also wear two masks if you are going into a situation where you suspect someone of symptoms," suggested Meredith.

Meredith said people should watch what is taking place in New York in order to get an idea of how Covid cases can quickly increase in the area.

"They are starting to shut down again. A lot of events there have been stopped, and I think they precede us in what happens," said Meredith. "Bad stuff happens there and it spreads. I expect we will be behind them in the surge, but they are breaking records with the cases they are having."

Meredith said reports are also showing that even those who have been vaccinated, including those who have received booster shots, are contracting the virus now as well.

"We've had reports of some senators this weekend who revealed they had Covid who were fully vaccinated and boosted," said Meredith. "So, unfortunately, you may still get the virus, though hopefully not as severe, if you've been boosted."

Meredith said to help curb case numbers, families should consider having as small gatherings as possible.

"I know everyone wants to get together for Christmas and New Year’s, but if you do, I highly encourage masks, especially indoors," said Meredith. "That's no fun, I know, but it is kind of the cold hard reality of it."

Meredith said the current trend of diagnosing the virus is showing that most people are experiencing mild to severe symptoms of Covid before they are diagnosed.

"We've not had a lot of asymptomatic cases of late that I can recall," said Meredith. "Most have had symptoms."

Meredith said the issue with the virus is its unpredictability in how each person reacts to it.

"Sometimes we'll have those we don't expect to do well and they do, and those who are very healthy who we expect not to get very ill and they get do, and vice versa," said Meredith. "It's random and you can't predict it."

Meredith said another precaution that could be taken during the holidays are the overthe-counter home Covid tests.

"It is my understanding, however, those are getting harder to find," said Meredith. "It would be an excellent idea for everyone to do one before they get together, if possible. I'm not convinced at how accurate those tests are, but it is better than nothing.”

As always, Meredith strongly urges residents who feel ill not to help in food preparations for family gatherings.

"If you are sick or have symptoms of any viral infection, don't host or attend a gathering," said Meredith.

He also encourages people to get vaccinated if they have not yet been.

"We always encourage people to get vaccinated," said Meredith. "Arkansas is still way behind on vaccinations. We need St. Francis County up to 80% to 100% vaccinated, but there is a lot of misinformation about the vaccines and that's a problem." of