Health Secretary Cautions Arkansans about Holiday Travel

Arkansas Health Secretary Dr. Jose Romero is again stressing families to be cautious as they gather this Thanksgiving. He urges Arkansans to try and keep their get-togethers to a “nuclear Thanksgiving;” that is, a Thanksgiving event limited to the immediate members of your household. He shared a few other words of advice on how people can do their best to celebrate safely this holiday.

Romero shared a little good news in regards to the expected arrival of COVID-19 vaccines in the future. He said the state is hoping to receive the first shipment of vaccines starting around the beginning of 2021. Those initial vaccinations will be set aside for healthcare workers and the most vulnerable populations in Arkansas. Romero however said vaccines for the general public will likely not be available until the second or third quarter of the year.

The number of active COVID-19 cases in Howard County stands at 55, Pike County has 42 cases, and Hempstead County is reporting 91 cases, according to the Arkansas Department of Health.