More than two dozen school districts have reported 50 or more new COVID-19 cases over a 14-day period.
The Arkansas Center for Health Improvement (ACHI) released a report, stating that 26 Arkansas school districts reported 50 or more new infections per 10,000 district residents. According to the organization, this is double the number of districts from the previous week, when 13 districts made similar reports.
“The doubling of the number of school districts in the red zone in one week is a cause for concern,” ACHI President and CEO Dr. Joe Thompson said in a statement. “Most of the districts entering the red zone this week are in rural areas, which shows that COVID-19 is affecting all parts of the state. Residents of these districts should be especially careful to take precautions against further spread: Maintain six feet of distance from people who are not members of your household and wear a mask when out in public.”
ACHI analyzed Arkansas Department of Health data, received Monday, Oct. 12, to determine “red zone” districts. These infections are not limited to school employees and students but include all individuals living within a district’s geographical boundaries.
Between Sept. 28 and Oct. 12, the following school districts reported 50 or more new cases: Armorel School District, Barton-Lexa School District, Berryville Public Schools, Brookland School District, Cedar Ridge School District. Clarendon School District, Corning Public Schools, County Line School District, Deer/Mount Judea School District, DeWitt School District, Green Forest School District, Hoxie School District, Jackson County School District, Lawrence County School District,Mammoth Spring Schools,Marked Tree School District, Mulberry School District, Nettleton School District, Newport School District, Ozark School District, Paris School District, Sloan-Hendrix School District, Spring Hill School District, Stuttgart School District, Viola School District, and Westside Consolidated School District.
The England and Magnolia school districts dropped out of the state’s red zone from the previous week.
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