COVID-19 Update: September 1, 2021

The leading COVID-19 indicators are heading in the right direction, as cases and hospitalizations statewide are down from last week. As of today, Wednesday, September 1, there are 30 COVID-19 patients currently admitted at Baxter Regional, with 8 in ICU and 6 on a ventilator. There are also 11 Baxter Regional employees out with COVID-19, at home and in isolation. According to the Arkansas Department of Health, active COVID-19 cases have continued to lower this week, with 217 in Baxter County, and vaccination numbers have continued to increase, with 39.7.% of the population of Baxter County being fully vaccinated.

Additional statistics from Baxter Regional:

• 86.7% of 30 COVID-19 patients currently hospitalized are not fully vaccinated.
• 88.9% of 369 COVID-19 patients hospitalized since March 1, 2021, were not vaccinated.
• 83.1% of 77 COVID-19 deaths since March 1, 2021, were not vaccinated.

Last week, the FDA approved the initial 2-dose Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for those aged 16 years and older. This approval builds on the extensive data and information previously submitted that supported the EUA such a pre-clinical and clinical data and information as well as details of the manufacturing process, vaccine testing results to ensure vaccine quality and inspections of the site where the vaccine is made. Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) continue for Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for those aged 12-15 years, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson's Janssen vaccines for those aged 18 and older and a 3rd (additional) dose of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine after an initial 2-dose series for certain immunocompromised people. 

Widespread vaccination is a critical tool to help stop the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are eligible, please consider a COVID-19 vaccine. Local vaccine administration sites continue to offer initial vaccines and are now offering boosters for immunocompromised people that qualify. A list of all local vaccine locations and complete details regarding the criteria that must be met to currently receive an additional (booster) dose is available on our website at www.baxterregional.org/vaccine.

Booster doses for all individuals 12 years of age and older are anticipated to begin on or around September 20, 2021. We are awaiting guidance on this and are developing plans to meet the need of supplying these boosters, which will be administered similarly to our previous vaccination events.

Remember the Baxter Regional COVID-19 Resource Line at (870) 508-7001 is an easy way to access all our COVID-19 services using just one phone number. Anyone in the community may call to schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 test, vaccine or monoclonal antibodies infusion with provider's order, donate items for our staff, make a monetary donation to Baxter Regional Hospital Foundation or reach the COVID-19 Hotline.

We appreciate all the support we continue to receive from the community and want to reiterate that the very best way you can help the current situation is to get a COVID-19 vaccine if you are eligible and continue using precautions, remembering the basic 3 Ws: wash your hands, watch your distance and wear your mask.

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