Arkansas COVID cases on the rise as August gets started

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – COVID-19 is rearing its head again for many Arkansans as cases are on the rise.

According to the Arkansas Department of Health, more than 200 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 in July. They said the number of cases has increased from May until now.

Dr. Robert Hopkins with UAMS said people with COVID are steadily coming through their doors.

“We’ve seen a lot of increase of folks in the emergency department, the clinics, the outpatient areas,” Hopkins said. “We have seen an increase in hospitalizations.”

At Kavanaugh Pharmacy, owner Anne Pace said she has seen an increase in testing and people wanting Paxlovid, an antiviral used to help your body fight COVID.

Hopkins said high demand for Paxlovid means the pharmacy’s stock is often gone by the end of the day.

Both Hopkins and Pace say that Paxlovid is more often used for higher-risk groups of people, depending on age, underlying conditions and more. Pace said over-the-counter medications are also used to fight symptoms like fever, runny nose, coughing and congestion.

“Paxlovid may be necessary for some people but it’s certainly not necessary for the vast majority of the population to treat it,” Pace said.

Hopkins said that no matter what, it’s always important to stop the spread.

“If you’re sick, even if you think it’s just a cold or allergies, don’t go around other people,” Hopkins said.

Hopkins and Pace say that a vaccine should be coming out soon. However, if you’re in a higher-risk area, like a large indoor event, he recommends wearing a mask.

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