Local COVID-19 cases continue to rise

Crittenden County sees 17th coronavirus fatality

ralphhardin@gmail.com Here and around the state, cases of COVID-19 are still projecting upward, with health and government officials reporting spikes in certain parts of the state.

In his daily COVID-19 update, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson reported that more than 40,000 positive cases have now been confirmed in the state, including more than 6,500 currently active cases and more than 500 Arkansans in the hospital with coronavirus- related illnesses.

More than 100 of those are on ventilators.

Statewide, there have been 442 COVID-19 deaths, including here in Crittenden County where the 17th fatality from the coronavirus was reported last week.

Testing remains a critical component of the state’s fight against the pandemic, with an average of more than 5,500 tests being performed daily.

Crittenden County Judge Woody Wheeless offered an update on local numbers on Friday. Wheeless reported that there have been 1,135 positive cases locally, including 99 that are currently active.

“I want to share some additional information that can be found on achi.net,” said Wheeless. “On that site, you will find total cumulative cases and current active cases from most of the cities in our county, but not all. They are continuing to update the site and hopefully the cities that are missing currently will be added soon.”

Total Cumulative Cases by City as of July 27:

1. Crawfordsville: 18 2. Earle: : 41 3. Marion: 299 4. Proctor: 23 5. Turrell: 25 6. West Memphis: 647 The site also included the number of total active cases in the county’s two largest cities, Marion (36) and West Memphis (83).

Governor Asa Hutchinson’s mask mandate remains in effect, along with guidelines from the Arkansas Department of Health regarding social distancing, hand-washing and avoiding leaving the house if you are showing symptoms as cases continue to rise.

“I ask that you continue to do your part to further reduce this number,” said Wheeless.