Cases continue to rise in Mississippi County

During his Wednesday press conference, Blytheville Mayor James Sanders said 120 of the 258 active COVID-19 cases in Mississippi County at the time were in the 72315 zip code.

Mississippi County recorded its 13th death from COVID-19 on Thursday as the number of active positive cases rose to 267. There have been 914 positive tests in the county, with 634 recoveries and 6,591 negative test results.

According to Wayne Reynolds of the Office of Emergency Managment, on Friday, there are currently 110 locations in Blytheville with active cases, with some locations having multiple positive tests.

Osceola reportedly has 33 active cases.

Mayor Sanders noted the 72315 zip code covers more area than just Blytheville, with it also including surrounding towns such as Gosnell, Huffman and Yarbro to name a few.

The mayor said citizens who are using public transportation during the Covid-19 pandemic should tell the drivers that they are possibly asymptomatic or have symptoms of the virus.

A citizen watching on the NEA Town Courier Facebook Live stated, “Not everyone can afford public transportation and can’t walk everywhere they go,” because of disabilities.

Another viewer asked if there would be mobile testing sites.

Mayor Sanders said the state is attempting to have 200,000 tests this month, though there isn’t any mobile testing happening at this time.

Those with disabilities needing testing may call the Mississippi County Health Department at (870) 838- 7300 to let them know of the situation. Also, the Medicaid Transportation the number is 1-888-833-4130.

Meanwhile, Mayor Sanders noted after a person passes away from Covid-19, families are cleaning out the house and putting furniture and other items by the road.

He asked that if the family member died from Covid-19 to please call the Public Works Department at (870) 763-7381 to warn them before they come pick up the items.

Blytheville Police Chief Ross Thompson said no officers are currently out, however, several officers have been in contact with citizens who have tested positive for the coronavirus. Thompson thanked citizens who have given feedback to emergency personnel for testing positive for Covid-19.

Blytheville Fire Chief Mike Carney stated that the Covid-positive firefighter who returned to work recently is back off duty. He had clearance from his doctor but wasn’t as healthy as both he and the Fire Department would like for him to have been and so he didn’t finish the shift.

Also, Mayor Sanders mentioned that he has been receiving calls on the “China Seeds” and has spoken with County Extension Agent staff chair Ray Benson.

Mayor Sanders said if citizens receive these seeds, do not plant them in the garden or throw them in the trash. Sanders asked if you get these seeds please call Benson at (870) 563-0236.