14th Covid death in county

As the number of Covid-19 cases continue to rise across the state and Mississippi County, Blytheville Mayor James Sanders held his Monday press conference to continue encouraging citizens to implement social distancing measures.

On Monday, there were 130 active cases in the 72315 zip code and 320 active in Mississippi County.

At press time Tuesday, there were 307 active cases in the county and 1,033 total positive test results.

There have been 14 Covid-19 deaths in the county, 712 recoveries and

6,902 negative tests.

Mayor Sanders reminded residents to fill out their Census and also noted that Census workers will start making their way across the state and neighborhoods. He noted they will have a name badge and wear masks. The city of Blytheville’s participation rate is currently at 45.6 percent and the state of Arkansas is at 57.9 percent.

Fire Chief Mike Carney was not able to attend Monday’s press conference, however, Sanders stated that there had been no change with BFD since last Wednesday’s press conference.

Thompson stated that over the weekend an officer went into isolation after having “significant contact” with a person known to have Covid-19.

Thompson stated the officer was tested and those results came back negative and the officer was wearing the appropriate personal protection equipment during the contact.

Thompson also noted that just before the press conference Monday another officer was sent in isolation after coming in contact with a positive person.

Thompson stated they will be in isolation until their test results come back.

An employee in the Public Works Department has tested positive and two more employees have taken off as a precaution, according to Mayor Sanders.