MH Mayor issues statement on COVID-19 surge

Mountain Home Mayor Hillrey Adams has released a statement that addresses the rising COVID-19 numbers across the Twin Lakes Area, but does not endorse residents receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

The number of COVID-19 cases in the area has spiked in past month, with the number of active cases roughly doubling every 14 days. The Arkansas Department of Health reports that Baxter County currently has 341 active COVID-19 cases. The county had 185 recognized cases 11 days earlier on July 6.Health officials have said the spike in cases, which is also being seen across southwest Missouri, is due to a lack of people being vaccinated against COVID-19 and the arrival fast-spreading delta variant of the coronavirus.

In Baxter County, 32.8% of the population ages 12 and up are fully vaccinated against COVID, with another 5.5% partially immunized. Statewide, 39.9% of the population is fully vaccinated and another 9.3% is partially immunized.

Adams’ statement, released Friday morning, says in part, “I have received phone calls, texts and emails regarding what should be done in our community to encourage vaccinations. I appreciate everyone’s input and ideas on how to get our citizens vaccinated. I do not believe it is my place to endorse or compel anyone to receive a vaccination. What I do believe is that it is the right of the individual to handle their own medical decisions. That is a decision that should be made by each individual after consulting with their physician and family.”

Adams’ statement does include the contact numbers for the Baxter County Health Unit, Baxter Regional Medical Center, several pharmacies and two doctor’s offices. That list includes:

– Baxter County Health Unit, (870) 425-3072;

– Baxter Regional Medical Center, (870) 508-1000;

– Walmart Pharmacy, (870) 492-7733;

– Heartland Pharmacy, (870) 425-2221;

– Medisave Pharmacy, (870) 424-4010;

– Walgreens Pharmacy, (870) 424-3814;

– Regional Family Medicine, (870) 425-6971.

In his statement, Adams says, “As your mayor, I do feel compelled to ensure that our community stays informed and knows where they can receive a vaccination if they so choose.”

Adams asks that residents remember to make smart decisions like staying home if they are sick, washing their hands and maintaining social distancing when possible.

In his statement, Adams says, “We also need to remember that not all people think alike about this issue, but I do encourage you to respect their decisions.”

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