Stone County Judge Stacey Avey told White River Now’s Gary Bridgman this morning that he has tested positive for COVID-19.
Avey said there are, to his knowledge, five positive cases now reported in Stone County, and he is the fifth. Just before he took himself to be tested, about a week ago, he had already quarantined himself at home. The judge said his wife is scheduled to be tested today.
Avey said the test results of those connected to the Excel boat factory came back negative, and the factory is now back at work. The judge said his latest word was about half the normal crew is back on the job.
The Stone County road employee who tested positive is improving, according to Avey. The judge said courthouse employees and officeholders began social distancing many days ago. Some even self-quarantined themselves. He said he kept a distance of six feet or more with all the people he can recall coming into contact with since the effort began, and that, he thinks, has been very helpful.
The judge said he was fortunate as well in another respect. He had been in good health, was not on any prescription medicine, and did not have any respiratory problems of any kind. Avey said he is feeling the effect of the virus in other symptomatic ways. He said he is really sore, with muscle aches, and has just about lost his voice. He likened his situation to falling off a horse and hitting the ground hard. The judge said that soreness started a few days ago. “You are sore for days,” he said.
Judge Avey strongly encourages Stone County residents to practice the do’s and don’ts of coronavirus prevention which are:
- Thoroughly washing your hands often, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol when soap and water aren’t available.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow. Throw the used tissues in the trash, and immediately wash your hands.
- Stay home if you don’t feel well, or if you are developing symptoms such as repeated coughing, sneezing, or a fever. Avoid public places if you feel sick.
- Don’t have close contact with people who are sick. Put a distance, six feet or more is recommended between you and others. This is especially important for those who are at higher risk, such as older adults or those with respiratory problems.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avey said, in addition, you should clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces every day such as tables, handles, doorknobs, light switches, desks, phones, toilets, and sinks. Most common household disinfectants will work.
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The new White River Now mobile app has started featuring regular COVID-19 updates and podcasts. In addition to the updates featured on the White River Now family of radio stations, the COVID-19 podcast section also features new interviews with Sen. James Sturch, Batesville Mayor Rick Elumbaugh, Stone County Judge Stacey Avey, and state Rep. Stu Smith. Download the free White River Now app today from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, and keep up-to-date on all local and state coronavirus information and to listen to the streams of White River Now radio stations.
We also carry live feeds of Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s COVID-19’s briefings on-air, on White River Now’s Facebook page, and through the White River Now app on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ.
Get up-to-date local and regional news along with the latest sports and weather every weekday morning by listening to Gary B. on Ozark Newsline, broadcast from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ. White River Now updates are also aired weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and 99.5 Hits Now. Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Add don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
