Phillips County News - One Nation, Under God

A recent spike in Covid-19 cases brings community awareness back to the forefront.

Just two short months ago, on Monday, August 16, the Phillips County Health Department was reporting zero active cases. On Monday, September 13, that number was 11, and now, as of Thursday, October 7, it's at 42 active cases.

In those two months, Phillips County has had 119 new cases, 10 hospitalizations, and 3 additional deaths.

These numbers are not huge when you compare them to some of the higher populated counties, but this is a dramatic jump for our county.

Phillips County Health Department says on their Facebook page, "Transmission is very high in Phillips County, and likely much higher than the number of cases we are reporting based on contact tracing. If you are having any of the following symptoms of Covid-19: congestion, headache, nausea, aching, sore throat, cough, fever, or shortness of breath, please stay home from school or work to help limit the spread. If you would like to be tested, call 654-2521. If you are having severe symptoms and/or need medical assistance, call your healthcare provider. Please stay diligent in mitigating the spread of Covid-19. If you are asked to stay home, please do your best to follow public health recommendations. If you test positive for Covid-19, you are infectious two days before your symptoms begin, so please keep that in mind when you've been exposed to a positive case. Thank you to the Phillips County community for your continued efforts to help us slow the spread."

It is up to all of us to stop the spread. If you go out while sick, it not only affects you, but those you work with, those around you, and their families.

We were a proud county when this whole thing started because we were one of the last counties to have a positive test. We can continue to be proud of how we handle any outbreaks or spikes. Take care of ourselves and those around us. Be hyper-aware and take extra precautions when traveling, especially in areas with higher rates and/or outbreaks. If we are sick, stay home. Get tested if possible. It doesn't cost anything and could save someone else from getting sick.

Then there's the whole vaccination conundrum. This should not be a decision made based on which side of the aisle you listen to. Talk to your doctor and make a decision based on you and your health. If you think it is right for you, get it. If you think you should wait, then wait. Do not make that decision based on politics.

The flu season is upon us as well. Many of the same symptoms as Covid-19. The Phillips County Health Department has all of the information needed for flu shots and Covid-19 vaccine clinics on its Facebook page.

This community is the best when it comes to helping and taking care of someone in need. Let's take care of ourselves and each other during this time. We all need to rely on each other.