McClendon urges vaccination in face of Omicron variant

WM Mayor continues commitment to fighting COVID-19, schools reinstate mask mandate

By JOHN RECH

news@theeveningtimes.com

How many COVID-19 variants and how many appeals from Mayor Marco McClendon for West Memphis citizens to be vaccinated in the face of the pandemic? Omicron, so the newest variant was dubbed by health officials, stood for the number of 15. The mayor’s public health appeals during the pandemic have been many, starting with the social isolation message “stay your a– home” at the onslaught of the disease.

As a perspective the United States suffered 419,400 military and civilian casualties during World War II. COVID has claimed almost double the lives of Americans standing at 839,604 as of Christmas Day this year according to Worldometer.

The mayor again addressed vaccine reluctant citizens via city social media on Monday in the face of surging Omicron variant related COVID

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cases during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

“As the number of COVID cases continues to rise, we ask that you keep yourself and your loved ones safe,” said Mcclendon. “Holiday traditions are important to all of us. Using proven prevention strategies we can enjoy safer holidays, and travel.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) urged preventive practices to curb the spread of Coronaviruses:

■ Social distancing of 3 feet

■ Open Windows when possible

■ Wear a mask

■ Clean hands

■ Cover coughs and sneezes

■ Stay home when feeling sick Heading the WHO list was getting vaccinated. McClendon also focused his latest presentation on vaccinations. The mayor said proper vaccination helped reduce the severity of COVID symptoms.

“It’s time to be smart, the vaccine offers great protection against COVID and the variants, although infection is still possible,” said McClendon. “Those with vaccine and infection have much milder symptoms or no symptoms at all. Please consider getting the vaccine if you haven’t yet.”

The mayor also pointed out that vaccines are free and available at many pharmacies on a walk-in basis.

Around the community, the pandemic continues to have a major impact. The West Memphis School District is enacting a new mask mandate for staff, students and visitors to its campuses. The district reached the decision at Monday’s school board meeting.

“This evening our COVID-19 numbers reached the 3 percent impacted threshold,” said superintendent Jon Collins. “Our school board voted in November to remove our mask mandate and make our practice recommended at that time due to the declining trend. At that time it was agreed that if WMSD COVID-19 numbers increased to a 3 percent impacted threshold we would immediately reinstate our mask mandate for all staff, students and visitors.”

With local case number skyrocketing, the board took action.

“Unfortunately, we have seen this increase with our data this evening. Therefore, effective immediately, West Memphis School District will be returning to a mask mandate until further notice,” said Collins. Collins directed anyone interested in the speci_c numbers to view daily impacted data at wmsd.net under the “COVID-19” link.

“WMSD has always placed our students’ and staffs’ safety as priority number one,” added Collins. “We understand this has been a very challenging and stressful time for everyone as we continue to navigate this pandemic. We will continue to adhere to the state guidance from the Arkansas Department of Health and the Division of Secondary and Elementary Education. Thank you for your patience and understanding on this issue.”

New COVID-19 cases in Crittenden County are now averaging more than 100 per day, including 129 new cases reported on Monday. The total number of cases locally is now 10,272, with 190 deaths since the start of the pandemic in March of 2020.