Covid cases fall; stronger variant still on horizon

SF County’s Health Officer warns against relaxing virus procedures

Although Covid cases is St. Francis County are declining, SFC Health Officer Dr. James T. Meredith says residents should still be mindful of the virus and take the necessary precautions to prevent it.

Meredith said he’s seeing fewer patients at his office with Covid symptoms, and those who are tested for the virus are mostly negative.

"The numbers are down tremendously," said Meredith. "I don't expect that to last."

Meredith said the new super omicron variant being reported in the nation is likely to make its way through Arkansas.

"It is more contagious than the normal version of omicron, which was extremely contagious," said Meredith.

He said with warmer weather and longer daylight, people are more likely to gather in groups for holidays and special occasions.

"It seems weddings and funerals are where a lot of our cases come from," said Meredith. "So, I think we'll have at least one more round."

Meredith suggests those planning events should still consider following pandemic procedures.

"I think people are tired of it and I don't blame them," he said. "I don't like wearing a mask all the time either, but I do."

Meredith said wearing a mask not only protects himself, but others in his care as well.

"I wear a mask as much to protect other people as myself," he said. "I know I'm exposed to Covid and flu in my line of work. Maybe not lately, but a few weeks ago we had 16 cases in one day. So it's important to protect others as much as yourself."

He also suggests those who have not been vaccinated to get vaccinated not just against Covid but the flu as well. According to Meredith, vaccination not only helps prevent and slow the spread of the virus but could also help those who get Covid to not have as symptoms as severe as those who are not vaccinated.

"We've had some who've been vaccinated report it's not much worse than a cold," said Meredith. "I also recommend getting a flu shot every year, and a high-dose shot for seniors."

The Arkansas Department of Health reported since October last year the state has seen 1,419 cases of flu, most of which were reported in the five to 17-year-old age group.

The ADH also reported one death due to flu in an individual of 65 years or older. For the previous week of March 11 through 19, the ADH reported 234 positive flu tests with 31 of those being hospitalized.

For Covid-19 the state reports an additional 4,362 positive Covid cases since last week with the most new cases being in Washington, Craighead and Pulaski counties. Of the new cases, 1,498 were in communities and only one was reported as being in a correctional facility.

The ADH report also shows that currently, SFC has nine active Covid cases.