Sanders: ‘There’s a war going on’ against Covid

COVID-19 numbers are continuing to rise throughout Northeast Arkansas as reported by Blytheville Mayor James Sanders on Aug. 11.

“There’s a war going on, and it’s all about the preservation of lives and with information, we hope to combat the spread of this virus,” Sanders said.

Mississippi County recorded 50 additional cases in the past week, reaching a total of 217 active cases. Surrounding counties all saw large increases in active cases in the past week as well. Craighead county went from 882 to 1,071, Crittendeton County increased from 198 to 375, Greene County ballooned from 331 to 470 and Poinsett County grew from 160 to 223.

Sanders also reported that appromixatley 31 percent of Mississippi County residents are fully vaccinated, with another 8 percent partially vaccinated. Additionally, he continued to voice his support for both wearing a mask, as well as getting vaccinated.

“On a personal note, I still wear my mask when I go into the store or anything like that,” Sanders said. “The science has shown us that this variant is real and in order for you and your loved ones to be safe, I recommend that you continue to wear your mask and also to vaccinate. But again, all of those choices are yours. There are no laws that have been created to mandate any vaccinations across our state.”

Mississippi County Health Officer Dr. Valencia Andrews-Pirtle points to the same two objectives in order to have a productive school year.

“The best thing we can do right now is make sure the people in your household are vaccinated. Make sure your child knows how to wear a mask and leave it on their face to cover their nose and mouth,” Pirtle said.

“We really have to do the most so that they can keep school open. We don’t want any kids sick or dying so we really have to do our part at home and make the best decisions for our kids so they can reach their full potential.”

Pirtle also noted the importance of continuing covid testing. For those who test positive and already have compromised immune systems, an antibody treatment is available to help combat the viruis’s effects.

She stated that the monoclonal antibodies can be infused through an IV, as well as, through a total of four injections.

“[For example], any diabetic can get it. If you’re a diabetic and you catch covid, you can get the monoclonal antibodies because you’re more likely to get sicker from having covid.”

She later added, “[the monoclonal antibodies] job is to bind onto the virus and stop it from doing what it normally does. So the earlier we can do that, the better chance you have of dealing with covid. But you have to make sure you’re getting tested.”