Current COVID-19 Update: August 11

Statewide and locally, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to increase. In Arkansas, a new high of COVID-19 hospitalizations was set this week with 1,435 patients and 294 on ventilators. At Baxter Regional, there are 38 COVID-19 patients admitted as of Wednesday, August 11, with 11 in ICU and 9 on a ventilator. There are also 35 Baxter Regional employees out with COVID-19, at home and in isolation. According to the Arkansas Department of Health, there are 423 active COVID-19 cases in Baxter County, and 35.5% of the population of Baxter County is fully vaccinated.

Additional statistics from Baxter Regional:
• 92.1% of 38 COVID-19 patients currently hospitalized are not vaccinated.
• 88.2% of 289 COVID-19 patients hospitalized since March 1, 2021, were not vaccinated.
• 83.3% of 48 COVID-19 deaths since March 1, 2021, were not vaccinated.

Baxter Regional has a new COVID-19 Resource Line available. By calling (870) 508-7001, anyone can schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 test, vaccine, monoclonal antibodies infusion with provider's order or to reach the COVID-19 Hotline. This resource line is an easy way to access all Baxter Regional COVID-19 services using just one phone number.

With local schools starting next week, we encourage people of all ages to use precautions, remembering the basic 3 Ws: wash your hands, watch your distance and wear your mask. It's important to remember that those with COVID-19 may be contagious two days before symptoms are present, so please use these precautions at all times!

We have received so much support from the community through donations of items and prayers for our hospital, staff, volunteers and patients. Another way people can support the hospital is by getting a COVID-19 vaccine and taking precautions. Widespread vaccination is a critical tool to help stop the pandemic. If you are eligible, please consider a COVID-19 vaccine. A list of all local vaccine locations is available at www.baxterregional.org/vaccine.

For more information and regular local updates on COVID-19, visit www.baxterregional.org/coronavirus.