Rep. Hodges, Mayor Sanders provide COVID-19 update

Blytheville Mayor James Sanders and State Representative Monte Hodges (D-Blytheville) updated Blytheville citizens Wednesday afternoon on the current Covid-19 numbers across the state and in Mississippi County.

Sanders and Hodges added that assisted living centers are set to open starting July 1 pending the governor’s directives.

Blytheville Police Chief Ross Thompson stated that one officer is still on self-isolation at home due to coming in contact with a person who has tested positive for Covid-19.

The officer has been tested and is still waiting on the results.

Responding to a citizen’s question via Facebook, Thompson said if someone is supposed to quarantine but isn’t, residents are encouraged to contact the Health Department or BPD.

Blytheville Fire Chief Mike Carney stated that the fire department is still 100 percent healthy.

Meanwhile, Thompson addressed the Juneteenth Celebration that was scheduled to take place Friday. Thompson stated the parade lineup is going to be led by assistant police chief Ricky Jefferson.

After the parade is over, Pilgrim Rest Church was scheduled to be providing COVID-19 testing/ screening for free, census count and voter registration.

Also, it was mentioned during the Facebook Live update that a blood drive has been rescheduled for 1-4 p.m., Tuesday at Great River Medical Center. Blytheville Parks and Activities Director Cody Wyatt said when the American Red Cross does blood drives they also do anti-body testing for COVID-19.

“Please go and donate; supplies are critically low, much in part due to the resumption of postponed surgical procedures,” said Rose Nichols.

Hodges stated that he had a “commUNITY Peace Rally” Friday night.