As of 9:30 AM Sunday morning, there were 16 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas, according to the Arkansas Department of Health’s website. This makes four new positive tests since Saturday.
All of the cases remain in central Arkansas. No confirmed cases are in NEA.
In addition, ADH reports there are 30 people under investigation for the virus and another 237 being monitored because of an identified risk. The health department has not released where people being monitored or under investigation are located. There have been 103 past persons under investigation that ended up testing negative.
Updated Terminology
The ADH appears to have adjusted their website for clarity, too. A great deal of confusion was caused last week by the use of the “preliminary positive” titles when the very next line said “confirmed cases: 0.” Preliminary positive status means a state agency has confirmed the virus. The confirmed status-title was reserved for the CDC confirming the virus.
As of Sunday morning, the website presented more simply worded updates with only one number for those confirmed to have the virus. As of this update, that is 16.
10:45 AM
New Screening Policy in Place as NEA Baptist Prepares for Coronavirus
Jonesboro, Ark., March 15th, 2020– Effective Monday, NEA Baptist will begin precautionary screening of patients, visitors, and team members for signs and symptoms of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). NEA Baptist is strongly committed to the health and well-being of our patients and family members, team members, physicians, and community. It is imperative that we remain vigilant in the midst of this global pandemic. There will be a screening area as patients and visitors enter the main hospital lobby. Visitors screening positive will be asked to leave.
During this time, public access to the facility is restricted to Main Hospital Entrance, Main Clinic Entrance, and Emergency Department. Hours of operation are being adjusted.
As previously stated, visitors are asked to be limited to 2 per patient with no children under 15 allowed. Special circumstances will be considered. We also ask that any visitor with flu like symptoms, please refrain from visiting patients in our facility. If care is needed and you suspect you may have COVID-19, please call your primary care provider, nearest urgent care, or send a message using MyChart. If symptoms are serious, please utilize the Emergency Department.
During this phase of our preparedness plan, we ask that all NEA Baptist employees please use designated entrances only. Thank you all for your cooperation with this policy and helping to reduce the spread of infectious disease.
NEA Baptist Health System comprises NEA Baptist Clinic, NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital, and NEA Baptist Fowler Family Center for Cancer Care. The 228-bed hospital offers cancer care, heart care through the Heart Center, labor and delivery services through the hospital’s Women’s Center, as well as a number of inpatient and outpatient services, emergency care, and surgical services including weight loss surgery, neurology, respiratory care, and pulmonary rehabilitation. NEA Baptist Clinic’s over 110 physicians practice in more than 35 specialties and offer a wealth of services, from pediatrics to orthopedic services.
For more information about NEA Baptist, please call 870-936-1000 or visit http://www.neabaptist.com.
2:45 PM
Schools shutting down this week
This page will be updated with any additional COVID-19 news that breaks for the rest of Sunday, March 15, 2020. Check back/refresh for updates.
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