New COVID-19 numbers remain low, but ticking upward

Coronavirus numbers remain steady

ralphhardin@gmail.com With most restrictions being lifted across the state in regard to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of new cases has remained relatively low, with periodic upticks.

While vaccinations have continued to be slower than state health officials were hoping for, more than 2.6 million Arkansas residents have received the COVID19 vaccine.

New cases are still in triple digits daily, 197 new positive cases confirmed on Wednesday. In all, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 2,251 active cases across the state. A total of 5,867 deaths related to the coronavirus have been reported.

Here in Crittenden County, there have been 6,169 confirmed COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic last March.

There are currently 20 active cases in the county, and the local cumulative COVID-19 death toll is 97, with more than six weeks since the last coronavirusrelated fatality.

The COVID-19 vaccine is now available to anyone 12 years of age or older. Many area clinics and pharmacies are conducting walk-in vaccinations.

Mask mandates have been lifted statewide for all fully vaccinated individuals.

Private businesses may still choose to enforce their own mask policies